Mike Brown leads to Karl-Anthony Towns explosion in New York

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown didn’t mince words after Tuesday’s 123-117 loss to the Boston Celtics, blaming his team’s poor discipline and calling Karl-Anthony Towns to help change the momentum of the game New York used to control.

For almost a quarter, the Knicks looked like the best version of themselves. The ball is buckled, spaced under, and The Celtics were stifled defensively as New York built a 14-point lead. But halfway through the second quarter, that rhythm disappeared. Brown said it happened at a time when Towns turned the night into something personal.

Towns, frustrated by Boston’s physical defense and officiating, forced shots through double teams instead of simply making reads. The turnaround came with 6:54 left in the half, when Towns scored Jailen Brownignored wide open Josh Hartand lost the ball. Hart, who was 3-for-3 from deep, stood with his arms outstretched, stunned that he had never been touched.

The Knicks look to bounce back from this latest loss

Brown added that the Knicks complained too much to the officials despite outscoring Boston at the free throw line. He emphasized New York’s core identity: no excuses, no ball movement and no paint touches. None of that showed during the collapse.

New York’s skid has also infected the defense. The Celtics shot 80 percent on 2-pointers through three quarters, winning multiple assists. Even Jalen Brunson struggled, finishing 6-for-21 in his worst outing of the season.

Mikal Bridges briefly revived New York with 17 points in the fourth quarter, cutting an 18-point deficit to four, but Boston’s second chance sealed the loss.

The Knicks haven’t earned the right to deviate from what’s working, Brown said, especially not with the stakes rising in a crowded Eastern Conference race.

“We have to make sure that the team’s success is the No. 1 goal,” Hart said.

New York learned that lesson the hard way. Starting with Towns’ frustration and ending with Brown’s blunt reminder.