Re‑press … … ??? This ….. - Deep … … The Knicks began the 2026 season still feeling the after‑effects of a shaky preseason. After two consecutive loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the coaching staff noted that while the team's defense has not yet settled, several individual players showed flashes of improvement that could bode well for next season. The first game, played at Madison Square Garden, pitted Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and starter OG Anunoby against the Timberwolves' own back‑court duo. Brunson started badly, missing his opening three‑pointer, but would finish with 20 points on 6‑13 shooting from the floor and 7‑8 from the free‑throw line.Ayo Dosunmu Thorns BrunsonIn contrast, the Timberwolves' point guard Ayo Dosunmu was a defensive thorn for Brunson, forcing turnovers and limiting his quality shots. Brunson's 20‑point game, however, was still his most off‑target effort of the opening series, as he was held below 40 % shooting from three‑point range. Despite the early misfires, a number of other Knicks players found moments of clarity.Bruce Anunoby emerged as the most consistent contributor, pouring in 15 points on 8‑15 shooting, yet his development was most evident in his free‑throw work. He made 5 of 6 at the line, surpassing his previous season's average of 3.3 free‑throw attempts per game and raising his average to 5.6 attempts in just 18.3 minutes.Even though the point guard does not have a high field‑goal percentage (he only hit 50% of his shots), his defensive prowess remains a positive sign for the first‑year roster. Meanwhile, put‑off center K.J. Towns glided onto the court at the gauntlet of the opening minute and finished with 11 points on 3‑9 shooting. He was efficient from the free‑throw lane, going 3‑4 from the line, and committed three turnovers that the Timberwolves were able to convert.Knicks Bench RotatesThe rest of the bench rotated in a number of short stints that told telltale stories of where the Knicks still have work to do. Reserve guard Marcus Alvarado shot 8‑11 and was the most active among the rip‑offs, nonetheless he had 3 turnovers. Losely managed forward Kevin McBride took his first shot of the night, but also missed his following four attempts, straining his confidence with a 2‑13 three‑pointer profile.Rookie guard Jordan Diawara's inside shot was almost impossible to judge as he was involved in only four rebounding actions before being forced to hit a floater that found the rim. The defense, however, was bumpy in the shift between turnovers and rebounds, with there being no clear rhythm.Coaches Push Shot SelectionWith the coaches pushing the team to improve the shot selection and improve the rotations, the Knicks have still to find a balance between a dynamic guard game and a dependable front‑court presence amid the ongoing changes. The preseason experience has added some confidence, especially in the extra training sessions the club is promised for the coming season. Overall, the team's intensity is greatest on the defensive side, but the Knicks must keep an eye on offense stands.By streamlining the coaching manner and allowing the club that is still developing its talents to adapt, the front‑office maintains that some of the hottest 2026‑27 prospects will be waiting a comparative age. Team : "us ptonsh non