Knicks' Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns Elevate Their Duo at Perfect Time

Mike Brown's Knicks are reaping the benefits of Brunson and Towns' improved pick-and-roll chemistry heading into the playoffs.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Knicks pick-and-roll play, with sharp geometric shapes in the team's colors representing the dynamic movement and passing between the two players.Brunson and Towns' growing pick-and-roll synergy has become a key weapon in the Knicks' late-season surge.Boston Today

Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have found a strong rhythm in the pick-and-roll over the past two months, leading the NBA in points per direct through on-ball screens since February 1. The Knicks' star duo credits improved communication and trust for their growing synergy, which has been a key factor in the team's late-season surge. Head coach Mike Brown has emphasized leaning more into the Brunson-Towns two-man game, praising their ability to read defenses and make plays for each other.

Why it matters

For the Knicks to make a deep playoff run, they'll need Brunson and Towns to continue thriving as a dynamic offensive duo. Their pick-and-roll chemistry adds another dimension to the Knicks' attack, making them harder to game plan for and putting more pressure on opposing defenses.

The details

Since February 1, Brunson and Towns have led the NBA in points per direct through on-ball screens at 1.31. Their improved synergy has been evident in the Knicks' recent close wins over the Celtics and Hawks, with the duo leaning on each other in high-pressure situations. Coach Mike Brown has emphasized running more pick-and-roll plays to take advantage of Brunson's off-ball movement and Towns' passing ability.

  • The Knicks have one regular season game left before the playoffs.
  • Brunson and Towns have found their rhythm in the pick-and-roll over the past two months.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard and team captain, known for his scoring ability and off-ball movement.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' starting center, an elite offensive big man with strong passing skills.

Mike Brown

The Knicks' head coach, who has emphasized running more pick-and-roll plays featuring Brunson and Towns.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

“Just trusting us, and trusting that we can make the job easier for him. He's done a great job of utilizing us. We've done a great job of making the most of those opportunities. So it's a two-way street. Shoutout to JB for finding us.”

— Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks Center

What’s next

The Knicks have one regular season game left before the playoffs, where they will look to carry their Brunson-Towns pick-and-roll momentum into the postseason.

The takeaway

Brunson and Towns' growing pick-and-roll chemistry has been a key factor in the Knicks' late-season surge, and will be crucial to their playoff success. Their ability to read defenses, make plays for each other, and put pressure on opposing teams adds a dynamic element to the Knicks' offense that could make them a tough out in the playoffs.