New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown has chosen not to install any offensive plays during the 2025 preseason. Following Thursday’s victory, Brown stated that he wants his players to learn by playing rather than memorizing set schemes.
He said, “We want to play this way most of the time. We’ll have play calls because we want the ball in this person’s hands at this time and we want this guy here and that guy there. So we will do that. But right now, especially in the preseason, I just want them to be able to get used to playing this basketball and taking what the defense gives them.”
This philosophy stands in sharp contrast to the methods of former head coach Tom Thibodeau, who was famous for detailed preparation and thick playbooks. Guard Miles McBride once estimated that Thibodeau’s playbook was about five inches thick, a reflection of how structured the team’s previous approach had been.
- Mike Brown said he has installed zero offensive plays for the Knicks during preseason, teaching players to read the defense and react instead of following set systems.
- Mikal Bridges explained that for the first three quarters, the Knicks play without structured calls, using fast pace and open concepts to confuse defenses.
- Jalen Brunson is adjusting to spending more time off the ball as Brown stresses floor spacing, corner runs, and accountability in every possession.
The Learning Curve in Preseason Play
The Knicks’ offense has shown both promise and inconsistency during the adjustment period. In their overtime win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, they scored only 38 points in the first half. Despite the low total, players said the team created open looks and simply missed shots.
Mikal Bridges explained, “He just wants to implement playing fast because, honestly, especially the first three quarters, until mid-fourth, you don’t really need plays. You kind of just have concepts and you read and react, and it makes it tougher for the defense. They don’t know what’s happening because we’re reacting to what they do.”
Bridges said that set plays become more necessary in the final minutes when possessions slow down.
Deuce McBride described the experience as an opportunity to develop decision-making skills. “A coach can drop a play anytime and you know exactly what to do,” McBride said. “But to be able to read and react to what’s out there, that’s what matters. He’s on the sideline, but we have to play. We have to move the ball, play the right way, and get guys involved.”
When asked if the system could work so close to the start of the regular season, McBride replied, “He’s the coach. If that’s his philosophy, that’s his philosophy. We’re going to follow it to the best of our ability.”
Knicks Betting Markets Show Steady Confidence
While the Knicks continue to adjust under Brown, major sportsbooks have shown consistent belief in the team’s potential.
As of October 15, 2025, FanDuel lists New York at +1100 to win the NBA championship and +380 to win the Eastern Conference. During the summer, those odds ranged between +900 and +1000 before leveling out near +1100 as the preseason progressed. BetMGM currently lists New York’s regular-season win total at 53.5, with both sides priced at -110. DraftKings shows the Knicks as strong playoff favorites with Yes at -5000 and No at +1600.
FanDuel’s preseason awards board includes Jalen Brunson at +8000 for MVP and Mike Brown at +1000 for Coach of the Year. Brown officially replaced Thibodeau on July 7, 2025, and betting confidence in New York increased following the coaching change and early training camp developments.
Accountability and On-Court Communication
Although Brown’s offense removes traditional structure, his approach demands precision and accountability. Mikal Bridges described Brown and his coaching staff as organized and direct. “Just being on guys, holding guys accountable, preaching everything every single day. Him and his coaches all run a tight ship. Whatever we’re doing, they’re all on the same page no matter what,” Bridges said.
He added, “He pushes us. If you’re not doing the right thing, he’ll let you know. He’s not Mr. Nice Guy. He has to hold people accountable. He doesn’t do it in a disrespectful way. He wants greatness out of everybody.”
Jalen Brunson, who previously led the team as a high-usage ball handler, is adapting to playing more off the ball. “What we’re working on is just the basics of our offense and everything,” Brunson said. “It’s going to take time. It’s not always going to be perfect, but we have to continue to trust it and learn it. When things aren’t going well, we can’t revert to who we were before. We have to keep improving.”
Brown pointed out a play from the Knicks’ two preseason games against the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi to illustrate Brunson’s adjustment. During a fast break, Brunson sprinted to the corner, which opened space for OG Anunoby to drive and lob to Mitchell Robinson for an alley-oop.
Brown explained, “Because Jalen filled the corner, it flattened the defense. Whoever was guarding him was scared he was going to get a three-pointer, so they stayed out. That created space for OG to get downhill. Little things like that don’t show up in the stat sheet, but they make you a great offensive team.”
Tactical Tweaks and the Three-Guard Lineups
Along with eliminating playbooks, Brown has experimented with new lineup combinations. During preseason, the Knicks often used three-guard lineups featuring Jalen Brunson, Deuce McBride, Malcolm Brogdon, and Landry Shamet.
Josh Hart’s absence due to back spasms contributed to the smaller rotations. He missed the October 13 loss to the Washington Wizards, which ended 120–103 after Brown rested several starters. These lineups align with Brown’s focus on pace and spacing.
In the previous season, New York used three-guard lineups in only 6.3 percent of total possessions, or 613 of 9,716, but those units outscored opponents by 6.9 points per 100 possessions. Brown’s preseason combinations suggest he intends to explore this option further.
