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
