The New York Knicks faced significant challenges during their recent five-game West Coast trip, highlighted by the absence of Jalen Brunson, their All-Star point guard. Despite this setback, the team has transformed into one of the league's top defensive units, showcasing resilience and grit. However, the absence of Brunson's offensive prowess, particularly his 26.3 points and 7.4 assists per game, has made scoring more difficult.

In losses to the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers, the Knicks struggled offensively, often battling to find their rhythm without their floor general. Players like Josh Hart have felt the impact, as the team adjusts from a ball-screen-heavy offense to one that demands more organization and playmaking. Head coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the lessons learned during this trying stretch, noting that these close games could ultimately benefit the team come playoff time.