Cousins Warns Knicks: Brunson Needs More Scoring Help

Former All-Star says Knicks rely too heavily on Jalen Brunson, urges team to add another consistent offensive option.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After the New York Knicks' surprising 137-134 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers, former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins analyzed the team's heavy reliance on Jalen Brunson. Cousins stressed that despite the Knicks' talent, they lack consistent production from multiple scorers, putting too much pressure on Brunson to carry the offense night after night. He specifically called out Karl-Anthony Towns to be more assertive and step up as a secondary scoring option alongside Brunson.

Why it matters

The Knicks' loss to the struggling Pacers highlighted their vulnerability when Brunson is the sole offensive focal point. As the Eastern Conference landscape becomes more competitive, the Knicks need to diversify their scoring to sustain their playoff ambitions and convert regular-season promise into postseason success.

The details

Brunson scored 40 points in the loss, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. Cousins criticized Towns' tendency to get outplayed, urging him to assert himself more aggressively on both ends of the court. Knicks head coach Mike Brown will need to find ways to get more consistent production from players beyond Brunson to ease the pressure on their star point guard.

  • The Knicks lost to the Pacers 137-134 in overtime on February 11, 2026.
  • Cousins made his comments on the show Run It Back on January 21, 2026.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' star point guard who is averaging 27.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season.

DeMarcus Cousins

A former NBA All-Star who provided analysis on the Knicks' reliance on Brunson.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' key secondary scoring option who has struggled to consistently produce, averaging 19.7 points per game this season.

Mike Brown

The Knicks' head coach who will need to find ways to diversify the team's scoring options.

Tyrese Haliburton

The Pacers' star player who is sidelined for the year, yet the team still managed to upset the Knicks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I do think they're a piece away. They need to add another scoring option. I think it's a lot of pressure on Brunson every night to be the go-to-guy.”

— DeMarcus Cousins, Former NBA All-Star (Run It Back)

“If anybody ya'll should be mad at, it should be KAT. He should be defending himself. Stop letting these players punk you, bro. I'm calling the facts up. If you should be mad at anybody, it should be KAT. Stand up for yourself. The scouting report is to punk KAT.”

— DeMarcus Cousins, Former NBA All-Star (Run It Back)

“They kept their confidence and rhythm the whole game. Regardless of what the record is, they're great. Great coach, they do everything well, they play hard, they play to the last second.”

— Jalen Brunson (New York Basketball)

What’s next

The Knicks are scheduled for two more matchups against the Pacers next month, offering fresh opportunities to assert dominance over a challenging rival.

The takeaway

The Knicks' reliance on Jalen Brunson as their sole offensive focal point has become a liability, as evidenced by their loss to the struggling Pacers. To sustain their playoff ambitions and convert regular-season promise into postseason success, the Knicks must find ways to diversify their scoring options and ease the pressure on Brunson, with Karl-Anthony Towns needing to step up as a more consistent secondary scorer.