New York Knicks Starting To Define Their Identity, Coach Mike Brown Observes After NBA Cup Win

The New York Knicks have advanced to the NBA Cup semi-finals, showcasing a strong performance against the Toronto Raptors with a 117-101 victory at Scotiabank Arena. Jalen Brunson was instrumental in this

win, scoring 35 points. Karl-Anthony Towns also made significant contributions with 14 points and 16 rebounds. Other key players included Josh Hart with 21 points, Mikal Bridges with 15, OG Anunoby with 13, and Jordan Clarkson adding 12.

ladies and gentlemen, jalen brunson. pic.twitter.com/Cv2xUnG0AB NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 10, 2025

Mike Brown is optimistic about the Knicks' progress as they prepare to face the Orlando Magic in the semi-finals. The team has shown improvement after a challenging start to the season, where they struggled on the road with a 3-6 record. Brown noted that injuries during preseason affected their early performances but believes they are now finding their identity.

Brown sees potential for growth in both offense and defense. "We can be an extremely high-level defensive team," he stated. Despite early setbacks, he feels confident about their direction. The Knicks' first-half performance against the Raptors was pivotal, scoring 34 points in the first quarter and limiting Toronto to just 13 in the second.

The Knicks have already faced Orlando three times this season before their upcoming semi-final clash. The Magic won the first two encounters, but New York secured a victory on December 7 with a score of 106-100. In that game, Desmond Bane from Orlando was fined $35,000 for throwing the ball at Anunoby, which was considered a hostile act.

Brown acknowledges that despite recent successes, there is still room for improvement. "I know this sounds crazy," he said, "but we still have a lot of room to grow on both sides of the floor. " This mindset reflects his belief in continuous development as they aim for higher achievements.

The Knicks' recent form has been impressive, winning eight out of their last nine games. This streak highlights their growing confidence and cohesion as they head into crucial matches ahead. With key players stepping up and contributing significantly, Brown's team is poised to make a strong impact in the NBA Cup.