NBA2 hours ago2 minute read

Mike Brown Calls Out Free Throw Disparity After Knicks Loss

Knicks coach Mike Brown was unhappy with foul calls after Jalen Brunson had zero free throw attempts in a 115-107 loss to Cleveland.

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Foul calls draw frustration from Brown

The New York Knicks saw their four game winning streak come to an end at Madison Square Garden with a 115-107 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. After the game, head coach Mike Brown pointed out a big difference at the free throw line.

Jalen Brunson played 34 minutes and scored 27 points on 12 of 23 shooting, but he did not shoot a single free throw. Brown called that detail alarming, noting that Brunson entered the night averaging a career high 7.8 attempts per game.

Overall, Cleveland went 20 of 25 from the line while New York finished 11 of 11. At one point in the game, the Cavaliers held an 18 to 3 advantage in free throw attempts. Brown stated that while the disparity was not the reason New York lost, getting better officiating helps when playing against a good team.

Brunson responds while rotation shifts

James Harden led Cleveland with a season high 32 points while going 9 of 11 from the free throw line. Brunson chose not to get into controversy after the loss, stating he needs to control what he can control and adjust to how the game is being officiated.

Other parts of the New York rotation saw changes. Josh Hart returned after a three game absence from a right ankle injury and illness, scoring six points. Mikal Bridges played only 17 minutes and sat out the entire fourth quarter. Bridges has struggled recently, entering the game averaging 6.3 points on 32.9% shooting.

Brown explained that Landry Shamet and Miles McBride earned extra minutes after combining to go 7 for 14 from 3 point range. However, Brown called pulling Bridges from the starting lineup a panic decision, noting that Bridges has a history of playing at a high level.

What it means for the next game

New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers (NBA, Sat, 14 Nov): Indiana Pacers win 42%, New York Knicks win 58%; projected score Indiana Pacers 114, New York Knicks 118. Our safest pick: Knicks +5.5.

New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors (NBA, Sun, 15 Nov): Toronto Raptors win 50%, New York Knicks win 50%; projected score Toronto Raptors 110, New York Knicks 109. Our safest pick: Knicks +9.5.