Knicks' Jalen Brunson reportedly called players-only meeting as New York tries to reverse miserable slide
The vibes at Madison Square Garden have shifted dramatically from the jubilation of December’s NBA Cup victory to a palpable sense of urgency. Following a humiliating 114-97 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks, reports indicate that New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson took matters into his own hands, calling a players-only meeting in a desperate bid to salvage a season that is rapidly spiraling out of control.
The meeting, which reportedly kept the locker room doors closed for an extended period after the final buzzer, underscores the severity of New York’s current freefall. After starting the 2025-26 campaign with a stellar 23-9 record, the Knicks have collapsed in the new year, losing nine of their last 11 games to fall to 25-18. The offense, once a well-oiled machine, has sputtered to the bottom five of the league in January, leading to a chorus of boos from the MSG faithful during the Mavericks blowout.
Sources familiar with the situation suggest Brunson’s message was direct and devoid of excuses. The All-Star point guard reportedly challenged his teammates to stop looking toward the coaching staff for solutions and instead find the answers within the roster. The sentiment reflects a growing frustration that the team’s defensive identity—the hallmark of their early success—has evaporated. Josh Hart, Brunson’s longtime teammate, echoed the somber tone, admitting to reporters that the team has been playing "embarrassing basketball" and needs to engage in serious soul-searching.
While players-only meetings are often viewed as a last resort, this gathering appears to be a necessary intervention for a squad that has lost its way. The Knicks entered the season with championship aspirations, bolstered by their chemistry and depth. However, the recent slide has exposed cracks in their execution and effort levels. With the trade deadline approaching and the Eastern Conference standings tightening, New York cannot afford to let this slump define their season. Brunson’s leadership is now being tested like never before, as he attempts to rally his troops and reverse a slide that threatens to derail their postseason promises.
The meeting, which reportedly kept the locker room doors closed for an extended period after the final buzzer, underscores the severity of New York’s current freefall. After starting the 2025-26 campaign with a stellar 23-9 record, the Knicks have collapsed in the new year, losing nine of their last 11 games to fall to 25-18. The offense, once a well-oiled machine, has sputtered to the bottom five of the league in January, leading to a chorus of boos from the MSG faithful during the Mavericks blowout.
Sources familiar with the situation suggest Brunson’s message was direct and devoid of excuses. The All-Star point guard reportedly challenged his teammates to stop looking toward the coaching staff for solutions and instead find the answers within the roster. The sentiment reflects a growing frustration that the team’s defensive identity—the hallmark of their early success—has evaporated. Josh Hart, Brunson’s longtime teammate, echoed the somber tone, admitting to reporters that the team has been playing "embarrassing basketball" and needs to engage in serious soul-searching.
While players-only meetings are often viewed as a last resort, this gathering appears to be a necessary intervention for a squad that has lost its way. The Knicks entered the season with championship aspirations, bolstered by their chemistry and depth. However, the recent slide has exposed cracks in their execution and effort levels. With the trade deadline approaching and the Eastern Conference standings tightening, New York cannot afford to let this slump define their season. Brunson’s leadership is now being tested like never before, as he attempts to rally his troops and reverse a slide that threatens to derail their postseason promises.
