Knicks' Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns Clicking at Perfect Time

Duo's improved pick-and-roll chemistry key for Knicks' playoff push

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:36am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a Knicks basketball game, with the players' forms abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team's official colors, capturing the dynamic energy of their pick-and-roll offense.Brunson and Towns' pick-and-roll mastery fuels the Knicks' playoff push with a cubist, geometric visual style.Boston Today

New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have found a strong two-man game in the pick-and-roll, with their improved chemistry and communication coming at a crucial time as the team prepares for the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Knicks will need Brunson and Towns to be a dominant duo in the postseason if they hope to make a deep playoff run. Their pick-and-roll synergy has blossomed at the right moment, providing a key offensive weapon for the team.

The details

Since February 1, Brunson and Towns have been the NBA's most efficient pick-and-roll duo, generating 1.31 points per direct scoring chance. Knicks coach Mike Brown has emphasized running more of the Brunson-Towns pick-and-roll, citing their chemistry and complementary skills. Brunson's off-ball movement and Towns' passing ability have made the action particularly effective.

  • Brunson and Towns have been Knicks teammates for two seasons.
  • The duo's improved pick-and-roll play has come in the final stretch of the regular season.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard and team captain, known for his scoring ability and high basketball IQ.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' star center, an elite offensive big man with passing skills to complement Brunson in the pick-and-roll.

Mike Brown

The Knicks' head coach, who has emphasized running more Brunson-Towns pick-and-roll plays in the team's offense.

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What they’re saying

“I just think we had good conversation the last couple of days. Those conversations are showing up in the game, especially in the last two fourth quarters. When things get into high-pressure situations, we have leaned on each other and trusted each other. It's been very good for our team. Shoutout to JB, and shoutout to the guys on the team, for trusting us in those situations.”

— Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks Center

“We're running a little bit more, than what we had before. Those guys are just getting in rhythm, getting in rhythm at the right time. Jalen is great without the basketball. His ability to get open, because he understands angles, is second to none. His ability to change directions without the basketball is second to none. When you have a passer like KAT, who can hand it off or pass late to you, it makes that play really effective. ... The rhythm that those two guys have established these last few games is something they're going to have to take into the playoffs. Because it's a really good combination. Obviously.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach

“Just trying to make the defense make decisions, and just playing off that. I think the longer we've been together, the better our chemistry has been.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks Point Guard

What’s next

The Knicks have one regular season game remaining before the playoffs begin. Maintaining the strong Brunson-Towns pick-and-roll chemistry will be crucial for the team's postseason success.

The takeaway

Brunson and Towns' improved two-man game has come at the perfect time for the Knicks, providing a key offensive weapon as the team prepares for a pivotal playoff run. Their growing chemistry and communication have unlocked new levels of production, and the Knicks will need that to continue if they hope to make a deep postseason push.