Key Takeaways
- Landry Shamet’s shooting slump (30.2% from three since March 1) and limited minutes have pushed him out of the Knicks’ playoff rotation.
- Jose Alvarado has become the team’s backup point guard, earning coach Mike Brown’s trust after strong performances in Games 2‑4.
- Jalen Brunson reached out to former Villanova and Knicks teammate Donte DiVincenzo, who suffered an Achilles rupture, offering support and wishing him a speedy recovery.
- Brunson also reported that his own left‑leg issue, which forced a brief locker‑room visit in Game 4, feels “great” and will not hinder his availability.
- The Knicks head into Game 5 with a clean injury report, while the Hawks remain without forward Jock Landale (high‑ankle sprain).
Landry Shamet’s gradual disappearance from the New York Knicks’ rotation has become one of the more noticeable storylines of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks. After a solid regular‑season stretch, Shamet’s three‑point shooting began to deteriorate sharply. Since March 1, he has managed just 26 makes on 86 attempts from beyond the arc, a 30.2 % clip that falls well below the threshold the Knicks need from a perimeter specialist. The dip in efficiency coincided with a reduction in playing time: he logged 18 minutes in Game 1, 10 minutes in Game 2, a mere three minutes in Game 3, and only saw garbage‑time action in Game 4.
Coach Mike Brown explained the shift after Monday’s practice, noting that the decision was not made lightly. In the opener, Shamet was used as the backup point guard, but the lineup felt off‑balance when the team tried to transition to a different configuration in Game 2. Brown inserted Miles McBride (“Deuce”) as the backup point guard, which disrupted the chemistry on the floor. Recognizing the need for a true floor‑general to steady the unit, Brown turned to Jose Alvarado. Alvarado’s debut in that role was impressive; he handled the ball, made smart decisions, and provided defensive energy. Impressed by his consistency, Brown gave Alvarado additional opportunities in Games 3 and 4, and the guard continued to produce.
Alvarado’s rise underscores a theme Brown emphasized: readiness. Like Jordan Clarkson earlier in the season, Alvarado was not a regular in the rotation at the end of the year and did not play in the opening playoff game. Yet he stayed engaged, remained prepared, and seized his chance when called upon. His performance validated the coaching staff’s belief that depth and reliability can trump pedigree when the stakes are high.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson took a moment to address a personal matter that resonated throughout the Knicks’ locker room. Brunson reached out to Donte DiVincenzo, his former Villanova teammate and Knicks teammate, who suffered an Achilles tendon rupture during the Timberwolves’ Game 4 victory over the Nuggets. Brunson said DiVincenzo appeared “in good spirits” and was already formulating a rehabilitation plan. He expressed his sincere wishes for a swift and strong return, noting the difficulty of seeing a close friend and “brother” endure such a setback. The conversation highlighted the tight-knit bonds that persist among players even after they move on to different teams.
Brunson also addressed his own health after a brief scare in Game 4. Late in the third quarter, Dyson Daniels fell on Brunson’s left leg, prompting him to head to the locker room for evaluation. He returned later in the quarter and, after further assessment, reported that the leg feels “great.” The Knicks can therefore count on their starting point guard to be fully available for the decisive Game 5.
Injury news otherwise favors New York. The Knicks entered Game 5 with a clean injury report—no players listed as doubtful or questionable. The Hawks, however, will remain without forward Jock Landale, who is sidelined with a high‑ankle sprain. His absence continues to weaken Atlanta’s frontcourt depth, potentially giving New York an edge in rebounding and interior defense as the series shifts back to Madison Square Garden.
As the series heads to its pivotal fifth game, the Knicks’ rotation appears settled: Alvarado has cemented himself as the backup point guard, Shamet remains on the bench working to rediscover his shot, and Brunson is healthy and ready to lead. The situation underscores how quickly NBA roles can shift based on performance, health, and the coaching staff’s willingness to adapt—an ever‑present reality in playoff basketball.