Mikal Bridges says the Knicks’ defense is ahead of its offense as the preseason winds down, a mindset the club leaned on in a 100-95 OT win over Minnesota. Brown drills transition defense and the idea of next-play speed, stressing accountability. Bridges praises the new staff and their unified message as the opener vs Cleveland approaches, with the GM poll hinting at high East expectations for New York.

In that same frame, the Knicks’ projected balance—defense as a backbone and an offense still finding its spots—gets tested against a Cavs squad many see as the East favorite. The blend of structure, effort, and a growing chemistry defines the early narrative for fantasy managers eyeing NYK pieces this season.

Brown's Knicks preseason plan centers on shot quality over volume, building a pace-and-space attack that prioritizes paint touch and sprays to open shooters. New York beat Minnesota 110-105 in OT, showing process over results as Brunson, Towns, Anunoby, Bridges and Robinson ramp up together.

Brunson managed 11 on 4-14 while Bridges led with 15 on 6-12; 57 three-point attempts yielded 15 makes, underscoring the emphasis on catch-and-shoot and two-way stunts. For fantasy, chase opportunities created by movement and spacing and monitor how peripherals respond as the system matures.