The New York Knicks are facing a defining moment in their first-round playoff series — and a potential lineup shakeup could be looming ahead of Game 4.
Knicks Coach Mike Brown Weighs Lineup Change Before Game 4
Head coach Mike Brown acknowledged that adjustments are under consideration following New York’s 109-108 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3.
“That’ll be a game-time decision, but at this point in the year, everything’s on the table,” Brown said after Friday’s practice, via Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News.
With the Knicks trailing 2-1 in the series, Game 4 presents a critical opportunity to avoid falling into a near-elimination scenario.
Miles McBride Emerges as Key Option After Game 3
One of the clearest developments from Game 3 was the impact of Miles McBride, who stepped up as a key contributor.
McBride finished with 15 points (5-of-14 shooting, 5-of-10 from three), along with one rebound, one assist and two steals in 31 minutes. His energy and perimeter shooting helped stabilize the Knicks during key stretches.
New York leaned heavily on McBride down the stretch — a shift that could carry over into Game 4.
Mikal Bridges’ Historic Struggles Raise Stakes
GettyNew York Knicks head coach Mike Brown addressed the team’s Game 3 game plan after Mikal Bridges struggled in the contest.
In contrast, Mikal Bridges endured one of the most difficult playoff performances in recent memory.
Bridges finished scoreless with zero points on 0-of-3 shooting, adding one rebound and two assists in 21 minutes while committing at least four turnovers and posting a -26 plus/minus.
He became the first player since the 1996-97 season — when plus/minus tracking began — to record zero points, at least four turnovers and a minus-26 rating or worse in a playoff game.
The performance adds pressure, given the Knicks’ significant investment in Bridges. He agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension in July 2025 after New York acquired him from the Brooklyn Nets in 2024 for a package that included five first-round picks, four of them unprotected.
Contract Contrast Highlights Knicks’ Decision
The contrast between Bridges and McBride has become even more pronounced under the spotlight.
McBride, 25, was the 36th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and is currently in the middle of a three-year, $13 million deal — widely viewed as one of the better value contracts in the league.
His Game 3 performance provided a stark contrast to Bridges’ struggles, raising legitimate questions about whether the Knicks should adjust their starting lineup.
Knicks Let Game 3 Slip Late
New York had a chance to take control late in Game 3 after Jalen Brunson gave the Knicks a 108-105 lead with just over a minute remaining.
However, the Hawks responded, with CJ McCollum hitting a decisive fadeaway jumper with 12.5 seconds left to seal the win.
The Knicks failed to get off a shot on their final possession, ending the game on a costly turnover.
“You couldn’t ask for anything better than that,” Brown said. “Less than a minute to go in the game and a chance to go up by three.”
Hawks Continue to Find Offensive Balance
Atlanta has leaned on a balanced attack throughout the series. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 24 points in Game 3, while McCollum added 23.
Reserve forward Jonathan Kuminga contributed 21 points off the bench, helping Atlanta maintain control despite a late Knicks rally.
Game 4 Looms as Turning Point for Knicks
Game 4 between the Knicks and Hawks is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, airing on NBC and Peacock.
Whether Brown opts to stick with Bridges or elevate McBride into a larger role — potentially even the starting lineup — could define the rest of the series.
For New York, the stakes are clear: respond immediately, or risk watching a season built on high expectations begin to unravel.
Knicks Coach Mike Brown Mulls Major Lineup Change After Costly Game 3 Loss