New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown is still preparing for every game ahead to be a challenge, not matter the opponents.
By the end of the season, records are all but set in stone for most tams and the trajectories of their seasons are laid out clear on paper. Teams that thrived throughout the season have positive records and stand out as "good" teams, while squads at the bottom of standings stand out as "bad" teams.
But, no matter the label nor the evidence that supports the label, every team in the NBA is comprised of some of the best players in the world and on any given night, it can be anyone's game, and no matchups can be taken for granted.
That's something that's very apparent to New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown, who's at the helm of one of those "good" teams in the NBA.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) is fouled by Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (88) during the second half at Barclays Center. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesNo matchup is guaranteed and even though the Knicks prepare for a face-off against two lackluster teams in the Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans in New York's next two games, Brown won't let his team's preparation get comfortable or worse, complacent.
A Hard Win Against Brooklyn
"We try to approach every team we play the same way, no matter what there record is," Brown said (via SNY). "We went to Indiana in our last game and beat them by 30 something... Tonight it wasn't the case. We're going to approach our opponent the same way, no matter what the record is and see what happens."
Brown's comments came after the Knicks' nail-biting 93-92 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday and a game like that, even if it ends with a win, makes it hard to be comfortable.
The Nets are a team that's firmly in the "bad" category with a 17-53 record. Looking strictly at numbers, they may be a team that the Knicks should beat in most instances, but nothing is guaranteed in the NBA.
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Saraf (77) goes to the basket against New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) during the second half at Barclays Center. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesPreparing for Every Fight
The fight that Brooklyn put up is a harsh reminder that momentum only goes so far and that energy still has to be matched with effort. Like Brown said, the Knicks went into Friday's game fresh off of a blowout win over the Indiana Pacers and riding the high of a four, now five, game win streak.
Despite that positive energy, they still had to fight for their lives against Brooklyn and trailed after the first half.
Staying ready for any opponents is a winning mentality and it's one that can serve the Knicks in the playoffs, even if the playoffs are, by design, comprised of only the best teams.
Complacency can be the killer of any team, no matter how talented, as the Knicks nearly found out on Friday. It's certainly not a lesson they'll forget anytime soon.