The New York Knicks, who were heavily favored heading into Monday's tilt with the short-handed Dallas Mavericks, suffered a demoralizing 114-97 loss at Madison Square Garden.
Jalen Brunson shot nine of 24 from the field in his return from injury, and OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges combined for a grand total of 16 points in a combined 64 minutes played.
Josh Hart, who was also making his return from injury, ripped the Knicks' effort after the brutal loss and said the team has some soul-searching to do.
Josh Hart rips Knicks' effort in loss to Mavericks
When speaking with reporters after the game, Hart seemingly sent a message to the rest of his team regarding their play.
"We all need to do some soul-searching...How we’re playing right now is really inexcusable...Last year, the effort was always there. I haven’t seen this (lack of) effort (before today). It’s embarrassing," Hart said via SNY's Ian Begley.
Hart could be referring to a lot of things when he talks about effort, but the most glaring concern right now has to be the defense.
Under previous head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks were always a top-10 team in terms of defensive rating.
So far in 2025-26, New York ranks 20th, a far cry from where it was just a year ago.
It's still January, and the Knicks will have time to turn things around. But fans are losing faith in head coach Mike Brown fast, and something may have to be done to light a fire under this team.
More Knicks news:
- Tracy McGrady reveals persistent issues with slumping Knicks defense
- Knicks urged to reunite with familiar face ahead of trade deadline
- Knicks trade idea lands steal-happy guard to bolster bench depth
- Knicks urged to replace Guerschon Yabusele with veteran three-point specialist
- Knicks urged to trade for 3-and-D wing in wake of Josh Hart's ankle injury
- Jalen Brunson pushes back on idea that Eastern Conference is 'wide open'