Don’t put the Knicks’ latest loss, or their underwhelming 10-13 record, on coach Tom Thibodeau.
Jalen Brunson believes that would be misplaced blame.
“It’s on us. We’re the players out there not battling,” Brunson said after the Knicks’ fourth straight loss at the Garden, 121-100, to the Mavericks on Saturday afternoon. “It’s his job to put us in [the right] positions, which he’s done.”
If the team’s struggles continue, Thibodeau’s job security will inevitably become a topic of discussion. The Knicks won just 37 games last year and were supposed to be improved. While they have played well on the road, going 6-6, they have been unable to beat anyone of note at home, falling to 4-7 at the Garden after this latest setback.
“Coach Thibs has done a great job,” Brunson said. “He’s been able to put us in positions where we need to succeed. I think he knows where to put those puzzle pieces. It’s just on us to actually execute.”
Brunson didn’t have much fun facing his old team, managing just 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting, with three assists and three turnovers. But he was happy to see the Mavericks. Before the game, Dallas coach Jason Kidd said the team has missed Brunson on and off the court.
“When things aren’t going well he’s someone that was always someone that was a calming voice, to be positive and try to help you out of a slump,” Kidd said.
Brunson shared a story of the first time they talked after Kidd took over as coach in June 2021.
“I think the relationship me and J-Kidd have is very unique,” Brunson said. “The first thing he told me when I met him — he says, ‘What do you want to achieve?’ I told him I want to contribute as best I can, yada yada yada. He said, ‘No, we’ve got to get you paid.’ That’s what he said, his first thing. I mean, he did that.”
Brunson inked a four-year, $104 million deal in the offseason to join the Knicks after spending the first four years of his career with the Mavericks.
Brunson and Mavericks star Luka Doncic had a bet over the first Cowboys-Eagles game, which was won by the Eagles. Doncic, a Cowboys fan, had to wear an Eagles jersey to the Garden on Saturday with “JB Son” on the back. Brunson is a big Eagles fan.
“No, it wasn’t [fun],” Doncic said, before adding, “We have another game coming and we play at home, so we’ll get another bet and they’re coming soon, so we’ll see.”
The Cowboys host the Eagles on Christmas Eve, and the Knicks travel to Dallas three days later. Stay tuned.
Ryan Arcidiacono (sprained left ankle) remained out for the Knicks.
