At the start of last week, the New York Knicks looked as if they were on the verge of a multi-game losing streak. Consecutive 10-point losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls demonstrated their inability to perform well against the Eastern Conference’s best competition.

Some can infer that the losses were due to poor shooting from the entire team. For example, the Knicks scored just 42% of their field goals against the Bucks, while their opponents scored 54% of their shots. From long range, New York hit 33% of theirs, 8% lower than Milwaukee’s 41%. It didn't get much better against the Bulls in an NBA Cup game for the Knicks. Mike Brown’s team made just 49% of their field goal attempts. Billy Donovan’s Bulls nailed 54% of theirs. The Knicks' defense was far from good against the Bulls, allowing guard Josh Giddey to score 32 points and center Nikola Vucevic to end with 26. Jalen Brunson tried combating the Bulls' offense by putting up 29 points, which wasn’t enough to outdo Chicago’s duo.

As all of us fans thought the Knicks would receive their fourth straight loss, something changed. During Sunday’s rematch with the Bulls, the Knicks were rejuvenated by their home crowd at Madison Square Garden. Brunson recorded 31 points, five rebounds and three assists. Karl-Anthony Towns ended with a 20-point and 15-rebound double-double. Ultimately, the tandem's efforts led the Knicks to a 128-116 victory over the Bulls. The 12-point triumph showcased New York’s ability to make shots, going 45% from the field and 48% from beyond the arc. Therefore, I believe consistent shooting is the Knicks' key to success in Brown’s high-power offense, and there was a way the head coach made it work.

Brown Got Everyone More Involved

The guard slot was a key area the Knicks' front office focused on building during these past two seasons. Adding Jordan Clarkson, Landry Shamet, Tyler Kolek and Pacome Dadiet gave more depth to that position. Clarkson scored 15 points and made three long-range shots against the Bulls. Shamet had nine points and went a perfect 3-for-3 from long range. Six-man Josh Hart put up 14 points and nine rebounds in 26 minutes of action, as Miles McBride scored eight points in 23 minutes.

Brown evenly distributed minutes to each player, with Brunson and Hart earning the most playing time. As the guards played well, forwards OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges combined for 31 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and five 3-pointers. The one thing I would like to see Brown do is give more minutes to the big men. For example, Mitchell Robinson got 13 minutes, and Guerschon Yabusele received two.

On the other hand, Towns played 36 minutes, the most out of the entire team. If Brown can give more minutes to the big men, this will help the offense create more second-chance opportunities due to their rebounding skills. The Knicks will have the chance to execute this plan in Monday night’s game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden.