Two games into the Mike Brown era, the Knicks are starting to reveal early contours of a new identity — and a few rotational battles are already coming into focus. There’s been rust, of course, as players adjust to new offensive principles and spacing concepts. But there have also been flashes of rhythm and redefined roles. From Karl-Anthony Towns’ bumpy start to Mikal Bridges’ efficient burst, here’s a player-by-player look at the early returns in Abu Dhabi.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Game 1: 11 PTS, 5 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 2-4 FG
Game 2: 6 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 1-4 FG
Brown said he’d move Towns all over the floor. He never said it would click overnight. There are naturally some kinks to work out for the five-time All-Star, but expectations remain high — especially given Towns’ track record as one of the most accurate three-point shooters at the center position in league history. The Knicks are banking on that version re-emerging. For now, the frontcourt pairing with Mitchell Robinson — which sparked success during last season’s playoff run — remains the starting look under Brown to open the preseason.
Jalen Brunson
Game 1: 6 PTS, 4 AST, 2-8 FG
Game 2: 14 PTS, 2 AST, 2 STL, 5-10 FG
If Brunson looked out of rhythm in the preseason opener, he recalibrated quickly in Game 2. The Knicks’ captain and engine showed his usual control and scoring touch, finding his spots more decisively as the team found its tempo. The new system has brought a change of pace — both literally and figuratively — for the All-NBA guard. But as always, when things stall, New York knows it can lean on Brunson to steady the floor and summon a rescue bucket.
Mikal Bridges
Game 1: 10 PTS, 4-10 FG, 2-5 3PT
Game 2: 10 PTS, 2 BLK, 4-4 FG
No player stands to benefit more from Brown’s offensive overhaul than Bridges. In Game 2, he didn’t miss a shot and flashed the downhill aggression that’s been long overdue in his game. Rather than settling for mid-range pull-ups, Bridges attacked the rim — and converted. He’s also still drawing the toughest defensive assignment each night, guarding opposing lead guards — an area of growth after mixed results in that role under Tom Thibodeau.
OG Anunoby
Game 1: Did not play (sprained hand)
Game 2: 13 PTS, 4-7 FG, 3-5 3PT, 2 REB, 1 STL, 1 AST
Any concern about Anunoby’s hand vanished the moment his first three-pointer dropped. Back in the starting lineup for the Abu Dhabi finale, the two-way wing wasted no time finding his rhythm. He drained three triples and looked sharp within the new offensive structure. Like Bridges, Anunoby figures to take on a more dynamic offensive role this season. His best moment? A paint touch, two collapsing defenders and a perfectly placed lob — a subtle but important evolution in his playmaking.
Mitchell Robinson
Game 1: 7 PTS, 16 REB, 1 BLK, 1 STL, 1 AST
Game 2: 6 PTS, 8 REB
Some of Brown’s offensive concepts felt “foreign,” Robinson said in camp — and it tracks. The Knicks are using their defensive anchor in ways never seen under Thibodeau. In Game 1, Robinson served as a dribble handoff hub at the top of the key and was more involved in half-court action as a passer and screener. His vertical spacing remains elite — but now it’s getting utilized, with guards actively seeking him out for lobs in a way that felt absent last season.
Jordan Clarkson
Game 1: 9 PTS, 4-9 FG
Game 2: 7 PTS, 2 AST, 2-5 FG
Clarkson brings more than just microwave scoring. At 6-5, his size gives New York more length on the perimeter, and his passing has quietly been a preseason highlight. He showcased it again in Game 2, threading a drive-and-dish to Robinson for a clean finish at the rim. He still profiles best as a bucket-getting sixth man, but Clarkson’s floor game continues to evolve.
Guerschon Yabusele
Game 1: 0 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 0-4 FG
Game 2: 3 PTS, 1-1 3PT, 2 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Yabusele’s signature moment came in Game 2, when he denied Philly’s Justin Edwards at the rim with a massive one-handed block, sparking a Bridges–Towns give-and-go in transition. The 6-8 forward has been used at center in small-ball lineups, a new wrinkle the front office can afford thanks to a roster rich with shooters. After spending last season on a lottery-bound Sixers squad, Yabusele is embracing his role in New York’s playoff-minded rotation.
Miles McBride
Game 1: 12 PTS, 5 REB, 3 STL, 2 AST, 5-7 FG, 2-4 3PT
Game 2: 2 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK, 1-3 FG
McBride cooled off in Game 2 after a breakout opener, but the development in his handle and shot creation was evident. The Knicks will need reliable minutes from him to preserve Brunson for the long haul — and Brown has a history of trusting guards who defend and compete like McBride. Think Keon Ellis in Sacramento: from two-way to rotation staple. McBride could be on a similar trajectory.
Josh Hart
Game 1: Sustained back injury in first half
Game 2: Did not play (back spasms)
Already nursing a finger injury, Hart landed awkwardly in Game 1 and was later ruled out with back spasms. His absence adds uncertainty to his preseason outlook and denies the team a key practice presence as it adapts to Brown’s new system. The hope is precaution wins out — because a fully healthy Hart remains one of New York’s most versatile glue guys.
Malcolm Brogdon
Game 1: 3 PTS, 2 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK
Game 2: 5 PTS, 4 REB, 2 STL, 1 AST
Don’t let the non-guaranteed deal fool you — Brogdon is playing like a rotation lock. His steady hand and veteran vision have already elevated the Knicks’ second unit, and his ability to organize the offense contrasts sharply with the team’s chaotic backup point guard play last season.
Landry Shamet
Game 1: 2 PTS, 2 AST, plus-12
Game 2: 6 PTS, 1-2 3PT, 3-3 FT
Shamet is doing exactly what he was brought in to do: shoot, space and keep defenders honest. The veteran sniper hasn’t missed from the line and is hitting open looks from deep. He’s firmly in the mix for one of the final roster spots — and his consistency only ups the pressure on New York’s younger wings.
Pacome Dadiet
Game 1: 4 PTS, 3 TO, 1-6 FG, 0-5 3PT
Game 2: 0 PTS, 0-2 FG, 8 MIN
Rough start for the 25th overall pick. Dadiet opened preseason in Anunoby’s place but looked overwhelmed, missing all five of his threes and coughing up the ball three times. He didn’t fare much better off the bench in Game 2. With wing depth already strained by Hart and Anunoby’s health, the Knicks need someone to emerge at that spot. So far, Dadiet hasn’t seized the moment.
Ariel Hukporti
Game 1: 6 PTS, 6 REB, 6 MIN, plus-13
Game 2: 5 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 2-2 FG
Big Huk is making the most of his minutes. The bruising big man, coming off a torn meniscus, has impressed in limited stints — and could wind up as the emergency third center if the Knicks keep 15. He’s active, physical, and more mobile than expected given his frame.
Tyler Kolek
Game 1: 6 PTS, 1 AST, 1 STL
Game 2: 2 PTS, 1-9 FG, 0-3 3PT, 1 AST, 1 STL
The margin for error is shrinking. Kolek, the No. 34 pick, struggled mightily in Game 2, going 1-for-9 from the field and failing to generate offense as a lead guard. With Brogdon and Shamet making strong cases to stick, Kolek may find himself squeezed out — unless he can quickly string together strong showings before the preseason clock runs out.
