Mike Brown Facing Backlash From NBA World After Knicks-Hawks Game

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ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 22: Head Coach Mike Brown of the Orlando Magic address the media prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on November 22, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)

On Thursday night, the New York Knicks played the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Georgia for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.

The Knicks lost by a score of 109-108.

They now trail the Hawks 2-1 in the series.

James L. Edwards III

@JLEdwardsIII · Follow

Mike Brown: “It was a heckuva game. Obviously, we have to give ATL credit. They won the ball game. We definitely had our chances. I like the fight our guys showed, the resiliency our guys showed.”

9:59 pm · 23 Apr 2026

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Mike Brown Facing Backlash From Social Media

Here’s what people were saying about head coach Mike Brown on social media:

Kevin O’Connor: “I would have loved to have seen the Knicks go to someone other than Jalen Brunson on that final play. Hawks unsurprisingly did everything to deny him the ball and doubled on the drive. OG + McBride on fire…Mike Brown really couldn’t draw up something creative for them?”

Adam Schein: “Look at final shot by Snyder’s Hawks. And final possession for Mike Brown’s Knicks. Couldn’t even get shot off.”

@NYSportsFanCush: “Mike Brown career resume Didn’t win anything with young Lebron One and done One and done One good year, completely fell off and the team went on a run after his departure until Fox requested a trade. He’s two losses away from adding another one and done to his resume”

@Three_Cone: “Does Mike Brown go one and done if the Knicks lose this series”

@EJ_Stewart: “Look at how much space Quinn Snyder was able to create for CJ to operate compared to the slop we just saw Mike Brown draw up. Bro is coaching for his job Saturday”

@AuthorRandallB: “I agree! Mike Brown might be looking for a new job if they lose this series I like Mike but some head scratching coaching decisions”

Looking At New York

The Knicks were led by OG Anunoby, who finished with 29 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and three blocks while shooting 9/16 from the field and 4/8 from three-point range in 37 minutes of playing time.

Outside of Anunoby, the Knicks shot just 6/27 from three-point range.

The Knicks are the third seed after going 53-29 during the regular season.

Last season, they reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.

That said, the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau (and hired Brown) over the offseason.

Brown has also had stops with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings as a head coach.