Knicks bench 'got out the mud' and has New York on cusp of conference finals The New York Knicks’ bench unit, once a liability, has transformed into a critical force in the team’s pursuit of a second consecutive Eastern Conference title. A combination of resilience, coaching adjustments, and individual breakthroughs has elevated players like Jordan Clarkson, Landry Shamet, Mitchell Robinson, and Jose Alvarado into key contributors, propelling the Knicks to within one game of the conference finals. This shift marks a pivotal turning point for a franchise that has long struggled with depth and consistency during the postseason. Jordan Clarkson’s resurgence stands as a defining moment in the Knicks’ playoff run. After a slow start to the 2026 season, the veteran guard found his footing in March when head coach Mike Brown reinserted him into the rotation. The decision came during a critical road game against the Utah Jazz, a team Clarkson had previously played for. Despite the Jazz’s tanking strategy, the Knicks were down by 20 points, and Brown turned to Clarkson for a spark. The move paid off as Clarkson scored 27 points in 26 minutes, grabbed five offensive rebounds, and defended with intensity. These performances, far removed from his earlier reputation as a pure scorer, showcased a player who had evolved into a versatile defender and rebounder. “I got out the mud, bro,” Clarkson said after the game. “I was a second-round pick, damn near undrafted. I just stick with the grind and stick with the process.” Clarkson’s transformation mirrored the broader revitalization of the Knicks’ bench. Landry Shamet, a shooting guard with a history of injuries and roster instability, also stepped up when the team needed him most.#new_york_knicks #mike_brown #mikal_bridges #jordan_clarkson #landry_shamet
Jordan Clarkson Eyes Playoff Rotation Role with Knicks Mike Brown, the New York Knicks’ head coach, has confirmed that Jordan Clarkson will be a key part of the team’s playoff rotation, citing his recent contributions as a critical factor in the decision. While the exact scope of Clarkson’s role remains uncertain—dependent on matchups and team dynamics—the guard has positioned himself as a reliable off-ball threat for a Knicks offense that has struggled with consistency since the All-Star break. The Knicks’ offensive efficiency has dipped significantly, particularly from beyond the arc. Since the break, the team ranks 15th in three-point shooting, with a particularly weak performance on corner three-pointers, where they sit 19th. This inefficiency has placed additional pressure on the supporting cast to create opportunities for the team’s primary offensive threats, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. The duo’s chemistry has grown stronger, especially when opponents use smaller lineups to contain Towns, leading to more aggressive defensive schemes. These strategies often force the Knicks to rely on their secondary players to generate scoring chances, a challenge that has become more pronounced as the playoffs approach. Clarkson’s value to the Knicks has increased as a result of these struggles. While his defensive improvements, offensive rebounding, and quicker decision-making have been highlighted, his ability to space the floor from the corners has emerged as a critical asset. This season, 16% of Clarkson’s three-point attempts have come from the corners—a career high. Although his efficiency on these shots (31%) is below average, his capacity to handle ball-handling responsibilities and create for teammates provides a margin for error.#new_york_knicks #jalen_brunson #mike_brown #karl_anthony_towns #jordan_clarkson
