Mike Brown was clearly frustrated after the New York Knicks fell 124-107 to the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
New York fell behind early, dropping the first quarter 30-23 and trailing by 20 at halftime.
Losses are part of any NBA season, but it was the team’s attitude that seemed to bother Brown the most.
In his post-game press conference, the 55-year-old coach did not hold back. He criticised his players for failing to take accountability for their play.
Mike Brown frustrated by Knicks players in Magic defeat
Brown was left unimpressed with the way his team handled themselves after losing to the Magic.
He pointed out that the Knicks spent much of the night complaining to referees about calls, even when the decisions were correct.
“The thing that I was most disappointed in was in the first half, everything that happened on the court, we blamed the officials.
“That was disappointing to see because we were the culprits of a lot of stuff that happened out on the floor. Six of their first eight points came from the free-throw line, and we fouled them. I couldn’t even use a challenge because we were fouling.
“If one of our keys is to play physical without fouling, but their first three or four possessions started at the free throw line, then we’re not giving ourselves a chance, and we’re letting them feel comfortable with how they play.
“So, I take my hat off to Jamahl Mosley and the rest of his staff, and their team, because they came in and took the game from us, starting with their physicality,” Brown stated after the defeat.
Mikal Bridges reacts to Mike Brown’s decision to sit him in fourth quarter
Mikal Bridges’ answer regarding coach Brown’s decision-making on the fourth-quarter line-up in the Orlando game has caused some surprise.
The shooting guard played just two minutes during that period – usually you would expect him around six – and did not appear pleased with how things unfolded.
When asked if he knew ahead of time whether he would be limited late or if it had been a surprise move by his head coach, Bridges simply replied: “I’m not sure.”
The shooting guard’s clear disappointment over his minimal playing time, evidenced by his three-word reply, suggests that something is not right between him and Brown.
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