Brunson, Brown Must Fix Knicks' Stagnant Offense

Merlin sees the Knicks arrived with the NBA’s best offense, but Wednesday’s loss to Orlando exposed persistent flaws: the unit struggles against elite defenses, plays too slowly (first-chance possessions ~14.54 seconds, 26th), and rarely runs in transition. Karl‑Anthony Towns’ post work has become inefficient (scoring on just 37.5% of those possessions vs 74.2% last year), the Deuce McBride-plus-starters five-out look has barely played, and the backup point‑guard void forces stale lineups. "Easier said than done." Merlin senses the cures are straightforward if daring: push pace, restore Deuce-led five-outs, free Jalen Brunson from late-game overload, lean on Josh Hart bench mobs and test Mikal Bridges as a creator. Short-term losses for system buy-in could pay dividends in April — clinging to comfort will keep defenses one step ahead.