Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart Highlight Knicks’ Inconsistency as Key Obstacle to Contention

The New York Knicks are closing in on their third straight NBA postseason appearance, currently sitting as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. However, despite their progress in recent years, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart believe that inconsistency remains their biggest challenge in becoming true title contenders.

Brunson: “We’re Too Much of a Rollercoaster”

The Knicks have demonstrated their potential, securing impressive winning streaks, including a nine-game run in December and seven wins in eight games leading into February. However, the team has also suffered unexpected losses, leading Brunson to express frustration with their inability to maintain consistency.

“I feel like we’re too much of a rollercoaster right now,” Brunson said. “We have these great games where we look great, then we have games where we’re like, ‘What the hell was that?’”

While the team is trending in the right direction, Brunson emphasized the need for greater stability in their performances.

Aggressive Moves Haven’t Fully Translated to Contention

The Knicks made bold offseason moves to strengthen their roster, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, while parting ways with Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle. The reunion of Brunson, Bridges, and Hart—dubbed the “Nova Knicks” due to their Villanova connection—has provided chemistry and depth, but has yet to translate into a legitimate championship push.

Hart: Celtics’ Selflessness Sets Them Apart

Reflecting on last season’s second-round exit against the Indiana Pacers, Hart pointed to the Boston Celtics as an example of what the Knicks are missing.

“They didn’t care who scored, they didn’t care who did what,” Hart said. “They was just like, ‘We’re all going to go out here and whatever it takes to win, we’re going to win.’”

That selfless, all-in mentality was crucial to Boston’s 18th championship last year, something the Knicks still need to develop.

Knicks Face Tough Road Ahead

While the Knicks have the talent to compete, the margin for error in the playoffs is razor-thin. Last year, they held a 2-0 series lead over the Pacers but were ultimately eliminated in seven games.

To break through as true contenders, New York must eliminate inconsistencies, embrace team-first basketball, and prove they can compete against elite teams when it matters most.