“I’m Not Saying We’re Gonna Win”: Mike Brown’s Comments After Knicks’ Game 3 Loss to Hawks Faces Severe Backlash

TL;DR

After the Knicks' Game 3 loss to the Hawks, coach Mike Brown faced backlash for suggesting the team might not win the series. His comments, made after a narrow defeat, sparked panic among fans already frustrated with the team's performance.

Key points

Mike Brown's comments followed a Game 3 loss to the Hawks
The Knicks are down 1-2 in the playoff series
Brown's remarks sparked panic among Knicks fans
The Knicks struggled with turnovers and offensive production

New York KnicksAtlanta HawksJalen BrunsonJosh Hart

Apr 12, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown looks on during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images ©Apr 12, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown looks on during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Almost a year to the date they fired their most successful coach, the last thing the Knicks and New Yorkers want to hear is they might not win. That wouldn’t make sense of the upheaval in the past year. But as the Knicks fall 2-1 to their sworn enemies, the Atlanta Hawks, Mike Brown delivered a verbal gut punch that New York didn’t want to hear. Now his supposed attitude to the 109-108 narrow loss has created localized panic.

In a game where the Knicks trailed by as many as 18 points, the struggles were visibly systemic. Atlanta’s defense swarmed Jalen Brunson, sealing the rim with eight blocks. They forced 15 turnovers from New York that translated into 21 transition points for the Hawks. The offensive production from the supporting cast was equally jarring, as starters had only two pointts and was null for the 20+ minutes they were on the floor.