The start to the 2025-26 season for the New York Knicks has been strong, showing similarities to last season, where they finished with 50 wins and 32 losses and looked to be in contention for a title until ending their season with a loss to the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals. As of Nov. 16, the Knicks are in second place in the Eastern Conference, but they have faced some challenges up to this point.
The Knicks’ early-season momentum was jolted this week as injuries began to pile up — it comes at a time when the team was just starting to get into a rhythm. Small forward OG Anunoby’s hamstring strain – expected to sideline him for at least two weeks – takes away the Knicks’ most versatile defender who can spread the floor. The team’s biggest star Jalen Brunson continues to experience ankle problems, adding to the tension and raising concerns about how long the Knicks can continue to win as injuries accumulate.
Despite concerns about Brunson, crafty shooting guard Landry Shamet has quietly become one of the Knicks’ most important players. On Nov. 14, Shamet scored a career high 36 points against the Miami Heat when called to replace Brunson. Shamet’s shooting stretched a solid Heat defense, and he shocked defenders by making an array difficult shots. In a rotation that has suddenly missed big players, Shamet may become one of the biggest steals from this past offseason, giving the Knicks a steady offensive option while Brunson is sidelined.
Known for his tough coaching style, new head coach Mike Brown has not let his foot off the gas when it comes to defensive intensity. However, the Knicks could be one injury away from blowing their best chance at a title since the ‘90s. If the Knicks don’t manage Brunson carefully now, they will likely pay for it once the postseason comes around. Brown deserves credit (and perhaps blame) now more than ever.
The Knicks are no longer seen as overachievers but rather as real contenders. The culture shift since the arrival of Jalen Brunson is real: players actually want to be there. Shamet, for example, credits his strong performances to the Madison Square Garden crowd, showing how the Knicks’ new energy inspires players to rise to the moment.
With the team’s key players still signed to the Knicks, led by Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the expectations are higher than ever. Under Mike Brown, the Knicks hope to push themselves further in the playoffs this year. Statistically, the Knicks are firing on many cylinders: they average 122.1 points per game (4th in the league) and grab 46.8 rebounds per game (7th in the league) while distributing 27.7 assists per game (7th in the league).
Despite the optimism, many big questions remain. Aside from Shamet, bench depth remains a concern. While the starters are established, the second unit must prove it can sustain and support the team through 82 games of a full season and playoff grind. If everything works out for the Knicks, including health and depth, there is a golden opportunity for them. Above all, Knicks players must drown out the noise of New York, where the expectation isn’t just to compete — but rather to contend — and contend now.