The New York Knicks, who invested heavily to bolster their scoring lineup, are facing challenges in distributing the ball effectively during their playoff series against the Pistons. Despite acquiring high-profile players such as Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, and signing OG Anunoby to a franchise-record contract, the team's playmaking has fallen short of expectations. In particular, Jalen Brunson’s increased ball possession is limiting opportunities for his teammates, leading to fewer assists and reduced offensive flow.

In Game 2 of the first-round series, the Knicks recorded only 15 assists, marking their lowest total of the season. This contrasts sharply with Game 1, where they also had 15 assists through three quarters but surged in the fourth quarter with 11 assists, ultimately securing a victory. The issue extends beyond just assist numbers; the Knicks have averaged significantly fewer passes per game compared to the regular season, raising concerns about their offensive strategy.

Jalen Brunson acknowledged the problem after Game 2, emphasizing the need for better decision-making on each possession. His usage rate has surged in the playoffs, resulting in prolonged ball possession and diminished involvement from key players like Towns and Anunoby. For instance, Brunson passed to Towns merely 12 times in Game 2, leaving the star center largely sidelined with only 10 points and no field goal attempts in the final quarter.

This trend continues with other starters as well. While Bridges has seen an increase in touches, Towns, Anunoby, and Josh Hart have experienced a notable decline. Brunson's extended time holding the ball—averaging over 10 seconds per possession in the playoffs—further complicates matters by reducing opportunities for secondary scorers.

Team dynamics appear to be shifting due to slower-paced gameplay, according to Hart, who noted that playing faster could exploit defensive vulnerabilities. Coach Tom Thibodeau humorously remarked about Brunson’s heroics in Game 1 but now emphasizes the importance of involving supporting players to elevate the team's overall performance.

To succeed moving forward, the Knicks must recalibrate their approach by enhancing ball distribution and leveraging their diverse roster. Engaging all players more actively will not only optimize their offensive potential but also create a more formidable challenge for opponents in subsequent games.