Mike Brown credits staff for in-game adjustments in Knicks win over Heat originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Knicks pulled off a 140-132 victory over the Miami Heat on Friday night, despite missing two key starters for most of the game. Jalen Brunson was out, still recovering from a sprained ankle suffered against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
OG Anunoby had to exit with a hamstring injury early in the first quarter, but Karl-Anthony Towns and Landry Shamet helped power the Knicks to the victory, combining for 75 points on the night. Shamet scored a career high of 36 points, playing increased minutes after the injury to Anunoby.
But after the game, head coach Mike Brown credited his coaching staff for key in-game decisions to help capture New York’s first win in NBA Cup play.
“I thought all of our guys as players did well, but my…staff was unbelievable. Chris Jent was fabulous, Rick Brunson was fabulous, BOC [Brendan O’Connor], they were all really good, and they were on point,” Brown told the press.
“Those three guys… they did a hell of a job helping me coach this game tonight.”
Brown specifically credited assistant coach Rick Brunson for being the first one to emphasize using Towns as an offensive hub with New York’s star point guard out.
The Knicks improved to 8-4 on the season, and 8-1 when playing on their home floor of Madison Square Garden.
They’ll play the Heat for the third time in 11 games on Monday night in Miami.