Chemistry was arguably one of the biggest reasons for the Knicks' historic championship run and head coach Mike Brown added more context to that.
New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown reflected on his growing relationship with Josh Hart and the foundation behind the team’s success during a recent appearance on Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart’s “The Roommates Podcast.”
The conversation came shortly after the Knicks capped off their season by winning the 2026 NBA Championship, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
Brown, who took over the Knicks ahead of the season, emphasized that the team’s title run was built on trust, accountability, and strong communication between players and coaches.
Josh Hart (3) speaks with head coach Mike Brown during the first half at Intuit Dome. Crediting his Players
He credited the locker room for fully buying into his approach from the start, allowing the group to develop chemistry that carried through the postseason.
A major part of that culture, Brown said, came from veterans like Josh Hart. Known for his relentless energy and emotional style of play, Hart emerged as one of the emotional leaders of the championship team alongside Jalen Brunson.
Brown made it clear that Hart’s personality was never something he tried to suppress. Instead, it became a strength within the team’s identity.
Josh Hart (3) and Jalen Brunson (11) react during overtime against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden.What's needed as an NBA head coach
“This is a players’ league. If you don’t have buy-in from your players, you have no shot at coaching anybody else on the team,” Brown said, pointing to the importance of trust in building a championship group.
He added that Hart’s emotional approach to the game is exactly what makes him valuable in high-pressure moments, especially during the playoffs when the intensity rises.
Brown also shared insight into how he and Hart established their working relationship early in the season, focusing on honesty and direct communication. He explained that both sides agreed to address disagreements immediately and move forward quickly, ensuring that frustration never lingered inside the locker room.
Jalen Brunson (11) and guard Josh Hart (3) react after a play against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Kia Center.“I love Josh. You need a guy that wears his emotions on his sleeve,” Brown said, noting that Hart’s passion helps set the tone for the rest of the roster.
According to Brown, Hart was receptive to that approach from the beginning, helping create a dynamic where open dialogue became part of the team’s daily routine rather than something avoided.
Rick Brunson talks with New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), forward Mikal Bridges (25), and guard Josh Hart (3) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.Hart’s impact throughout the season went beyond leadership. He provided consistent hustle, rebounding, defense, and versatility, becoming a crucial piece of the Knicks’ rotation during their championship run.
As the Knicks advanced through the playoffs, their chemistry and resilience became defining traits, ultimately culminating in their five-game series win over the Spurs to secure the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973.
Brown’s comments highlight how relationships within the team played a key role in that success. For him, the connection with Hart represents what he believes championship teams are built on—mutual respect, accountability, and a shared commitment to winning at the highest level.
