Knicks' Mike Brown threatens lineup change after another slow start

The Knicks head coach is fed up with his team's lack of focus and physicality to start games.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:05am

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The New York Knicks squeaked by the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night, 110-107, despite the Warriors being without several of their top players. Knicks head coach Mike Brown expressed frustration with the team's slow starts and said he may consider changing the starting lineup if the issues continue.

Why it matters

The Knicks are a team with championship aspirations this season, so their inability to put away short-handed opponents is concerning. Brown's willingness to make lineup changes could shake up the team's chemistry, but may be necessary to address their recurring problem of falling behind early in games.

The details

The Knicks trailed the Warriors by as many as 21 points before rallying to win. Brown spent much of his postgame press conference criticizing the team's lack of focus and physicality to start games, hinting that he may change the starting lineup if the issues persist. The Knicks have been relatively stable with their starting five all season, so this would mark a significant shift in Brown's approach.

  • The Knicks defeated the Warriors 110-107 on Sunday, March 16, 2026.
  • The Knicks will next play the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Mike Brown

The head coach of the New York Knicks, who is considering making changes to the team's starting lineup due to their slow starts.

Steph Curry

One of the Golden State Warriors' best players, who missed the game against the Knicks due to injury.

Draymond Green

Another one of the Golden State Warriors' top players, who also missed the game against the Knicks due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“Mike Brown spent several minutes of his postgame press conference talking about team needing to start games with more focus and physicality. Said he's not at a point now where'd he is going to change lineup but he won't hesitate to do so if he feels need to.”

— Ian Begley, Reporter (SNY)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.