The energy inside Madison Square Garden has been a bit weird lately. If you've been watching the Knicks last 5 games, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s not just the losing; it’s the way they’re losing. Honestly, the vibe shifted the moment Jalen Brunson limped off against the Kings. Since then, the team has looked like a Ferrari trying to run on a lawnmower engine.
They’re 1-4 in their last five.
That hurts. It’s especially jarring because this roster was supposed to be the deepest iteration of the Knicks we've seen in decades. But depth only matters if the guys at the top of the rotation are actually on the floor.
The Numbers Behind the Knicks Last 5 Games
Let's look at the actual damage. The stretch began with a 112-93 win over the Wizards on January 11th. Everything felt fine then. But the wheels didn't just fall off; they disintegrated. They followed that up with a 112-101 loss to Sacramento, a 126-113 beatdown from the Warriors, and finally an ugly 106-99 loss to the Phoenix Suns at home on Saturday night.
Basically, the defense is leaking.
In these Knicks last 5 games, opponents are finding way too much space. During the Golden State game, Jimmy Butler—who is apparently a Warrior in this timeline—dropped 32 points. Moses Moody hit seven threes. You can't let Moses Moody look like Prime Klay Thompson and expect to walk away with a "W."
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The Suns game was even more frustrating. Devin Booker came back from an injury and looked like he hadn't missed a beat, scoring 27. Meanwhile, the Knicks shot a horrific 1-for-10 from three-point range in the fourth quarter. Karl-Anthony Towns even heard some boos after airballing a wide-open shot. New York fans are many things, but "patient" isn't high on the list when the team is 16-5 at home and starts dropping winnable games.
Who Is Actually Stepping Up?
It's not all doom and gloom. Miles "Deuce" McBride has been playing out of his mind. With Brunson sidelined by that right ankle sprain, McBride has averaged 24 points and 5.5 assists over the last two outings. He’s not just a "3-and-D" guy anymore. He’s taking 18 shots a game and looking comfortable doing it.
OG Anunoby is also doing OG things. 21 points and three steals against the Suns. 25 points against the Warriors. He’s basically the only reason the defensive rating hasn't completely tanked.
- Miles McBride: 23 points, 5 assists, 0 turnovers (vs Suns)
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 23 points, 10 rebounds (vs Suns)
- OG Anunoby: 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals (vs Suns)
But look at the turnover column. 17 turnovers against Phoenix. You're not beating a playoff-caliber team when you're throwing the ball into the stands every third possession.
Why the Ankle Injuries Changed Everything
The "Next Man Up" mantra sounds great in a locker room, but it’s hard to execute when the guys you’re missing are Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. Brunson is the heartbeat. Without him, the Knicks' offensive rhythm is non-existent. They’re standing around watching KAT or Deuce try to create something out of nothing.
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Josh Hart being out is a different kind of pain. He’s the guy who gets the "trash" rebounds—the ones that keep possessions alive. In the loss to the Warriors, the Knicks were outrebounded at critical moments, and you could practically see the hole Hart's absence left in the transition game.
The medical staff has both listed as day-to-day. If they aren't back for the Dallas game on Monday, things could get even uglier.
Is It Time to Panic?
Kinda. But not really.
The Knicks are still 25-17. They’re sitting third in the East, though the Raptors and Cavs are breathing down their necks. The biggest concern from the Knicks last 5 games isn't the record; it's the fatigue. Coach Mike Brown—who took over after the Kings' coaching carousel—is running a tight rotation. OG played 39 minutes against the Suns. McBride played 36.
At some point, these guys are going to hit a wall.
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The narrative that the Knicks have a "slump problem" is a bit of an oversimplification. They have an "availability problem." When this team is healthy, they have a +3.5 net rating, which is top-ten in the league. When they’re missing their primary ball-handler and their best rebounder, they look like a lottery team.
Honestly, the next step is simple but difficult. They need to survive the next 48 hours. If Brunson can’t go against Luka and the Mavs, the Knicks need to lean even harder on Karl-Anthony Towns. He’s been a bit passive lately, settling for jumpers instead of punishing smaller defenders. He had 20 rebounds against the Warriors, which shows the effort is there, but 17 points on 14 shots isn't enough when you're the number one option.
If you're looking for an actionable takeaway from this recent stretch, keep a close eye on the injury report two hours before tip-off. If Josh Hart is back, the defensive energy should stabilize. If Brunson is still out, expect Miles McBride to continue his high-volume scoring, making him a primary target for daily fantasy or betting props.
Watch the turnover count early in the first quarter of the next game; if they stay under four, they have a real shot at breaking this three-game losing skid.