Knicks Coach Mike Brown Sets Franchise Record in Win Over Celtics

New York's new head coach surpasses legendary Pat Riley's mark for most wins in a debut season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:09am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors.The Knicks' record-breaking win over the Celtics showcases the team's dynamic new direction under coach Mike Brown.Boston Today

The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 112-106 on Thursday night, giving head coach Mike Brown his 52nd win of the 2025-26 season. This broke the franchise record previously held by coaching legend Pat Riley for most wins by a Knicks head coach in their inaugural season.

Why it matters

Mike Brown's record-setting performance in his first year as Knicks head coach validates the team's decision to move on from former coach Tom Thibodeau. It demonstrates Brown's ability to quickly establish a winning culture and build on the team's existing talent.

The details

In the victory over the Celtics, Brown's Knicks squad showcased their offensive firepower, led by standout performances from All-Star forward Julius Randle and veteran guard Jalen Brunson. The win was Brown's 52nd of the season, surpassing the previous franchise record set by Pat Riley during the 1987-88 campaign.

  • The Knicks defeated the Celtics on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • Mike Brown broke Pat Riley's franchise record for most wins by a Knicks head coach in their debut season.

The players

Mike Brown

The current head coach of the New York Knicks, who has led the team to a franchise-record 52 wins in his first season.

Pat Riley

A legendary former head coach of the New York Knicks, who previously held the franchise record for most wins by a first-year head coach.

Julius Randle

An All-Star forward for the New York Knicks who had a standout performance in the win over the Celtics.

Jalen Brunson

A veteran guard for the New York Knicks who contributed to the team's offensive firepower in the victory over Boston.

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What they’re saying

“Thibs is a great, great coach. I'm not trying to be him, I'm not trying to replace him, I'm just trying to do the best that I can do with this team.”

— Mike Brown, Head Coach, New York Knicks

What’s next

The Knicks will look to continue their strong season and secure a high playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

Mike Brown's record-setting debut season as Knicks head coach demonstrates his ability to quickly establish a winning culture and build on the team's existing talent, validating the organization's decision to move on from former coach Tom Thibodeau.