An unexpected setback late in the season may have quietly unlocked the version of the Knicks that’s built for a deep playoff run.
Heading into the first-round matchup against the Detroit Pistons as the strong 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks might actually benefit from a surprising twist that unfolded late in the regular season.
Jalen Brunson's Injury: A Blessing in Disguise
On April 6th, Jalen Brunson suffered an ankle injury during a game against the Lakers.
That sidelined him for an entire month, and while it hurt the team at first, the injury may have ended up giving the Knicks exactly what they needed to grow ahead of the playoffs.
One of the biggest issues for the Knicks all season long has been the lack of bench production.
It's been a hot topic not just in the media, but among players and even head coach Tom Thibodeau, who already has a reputation for keeping a tight rotation and riding his starters heavy minutes.
But to be fair, he hasn't exactly had much to work with off the bench. Outside of Miles McBride, Precious Achiuwa, and occasionally Cameron Payne when he's in rhythm, the second unit hasn't offered much.
Depth Issues Exposed Against Top Teams
The problem isn't just a lack of trust – it's a clear lack of talent.
This thin rotation and lack of depth contributed to a troubling trend: the Knicks failed to win a single game against the top three teams in either conference this season, compiling a 0-8 record in those matchups.
A common theme in those losses was the physicality of elite opponents. Teams used constant switching, often defending Karl-Anthony Towns with wings, which completely neutralized his pick-and-pop threat.
Add to that the inconsistent offensive production from OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, and it was clear the Knicks didn't have enough answers.
The only reliable scorer night in and night out remained Jalen Brunson, whose isolation scoring and high usage rate made him the engine of the offense, regardless of who the opponent was.
Brunson's Absence Forced a New Identity
New York Knicks
Cleveland Cavaliers
Brooklyn Nets
Detroit PistonsBut when Brunson went down, the Knicks had no choice but to pivot – and in doing so, they may have stumbled into a more balanced offensive identity.
Without Brunson dominating the ball, the team was forced to get more creative, and one player in particular stepped into the spotlight: OG Anunoby.
OG Anunoby's Breakout Stretch
During Brunson's absence, Anunoby showed flashes of a much more dynamic offensive game than fans were used to.
His usage rate jumped from 16.6% to 22.8%, and he responded with roughly 22 points per game, over five rebounds, and nearly 40% shooting from three on high volume.
More importantly, his on-court presence changed. He wasn't just spotting up in the corners or cutting off the ball – he was attacking defenders off the dribble, absorbing contact, and finishing through it.
He played with aggression and confidence, proving he's far more than a traditional 3-and-D player.
This version of Anunoby is something the Knicks desperately need if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
His ability to consistently produce as a secondary or even tertiary scorer could be the missing piece, giving New York more offensive diversity and easing the pressure on Brunson and Towns.
And OG wasn't the only one who benefited from Brunson's absence. Mikal Bridges also saw an uptick in usage, from around 17% with Brunson on the floor to over 22% without him, and he also took advantage of it.
Bridges averaged about 20 points per game during that stretch and had several clutch moments that reminded everyone of his offensive potential.
The New Challenge: Reintegration With Brunson
If the Knicks are serious about taking the next step in the playoffs – actually beating some of the elite teams that have given them trouble all year – this recent trend has to continue.
Now that Brunson is back and healthy, the real challenge is incorporating what the team discovered without him into their full-strength lineup.
Of course, it's unrealistic to expect Anunoby or Bridges to maintain the same level of usage they had without Brunson.
He's the offense's engine, and the ball will naturally be in his hands a lot. But the offensive balance must improve.
The improved versions of Anunoby and Bridges can't fade back into the background. Instead, they need to stay aggressive, keep looking for their own offense, and provide consistent scoring depth alongside the Brunson-Towns duo.
This kind of offensive versatility is what will separate the Knicks from being a solid playoff team and becoming a real contender.
Defensive Adjustments Still Required
Of course, improving defense is also crucial for the Knicks in the playoffs.
Offensively, while Brunson is a star and Towns brings unique skills as a big man, they've even shown vulnerability.
Oklahoma City, for example, completely shut down their pick-and-roll game twice in the regular season by switching everything and outmuscling them with physical defenders.
The key to overcoming those kinds of challenges isn't more isolation – it's balance, unpredictability, and trusting the guys who stepped up when they were needed most.
And ironically, that balance may have only been discovered because of a setback. Sometimes, the best thing that can happen to a team right before the playoffs is being forced to play without their star – and learning just how much more they're capable of.
