The New York Knicks have hit a rough patch lately, and you can feel the tension in the air. After yet another tough loss, Jalen Brunson, the team’s leader, didn’t hold back. He called out the lack of energy and discipline, telling the media, “We didn’t play Knicks basketball.” If you know anything about the Knicks, you know that “Knicks basketball” is all about grit, defense, and playing together as a team. So, for Brunson to say that? It’s pretty serious.

But here’s the kicker: Brunson wasn’t just throwing shade. His words clearly meant something deeper. “It means a lot to me. And it means something in this locker room,” he said. “And we’re gonna hold that to our heart.”

In other words, this wasn’t just a passing comment. It’s a call to action. For Brunson, this is personal. He’s not just mad about the game—he’s frustrated by the lack of commitment to their team principles. And you can bet his teammates are feeling the weight of his words.

Josh Hart Talks Team Energy, Egos, and What’s Holding the Knicks Back

Jalen Brunson’s message was loud and clear, but he’s not the only one speaking up. Josh Hart, another key member of the Knicks, shared his thoughts on the team’s struggles as well. Hart, who is known for his hustle and all-around play, was asked whether he thought the Knicks had enough to compete against the top teams in the league. And honestly, his response was a little concerning.

“I think we do. We have to go out there with energy,” Hart said. But here’s the part that stuck out: “We have to go out there with no egos. We have to go out there with no individual agendas. We have to go out there and sacrifice.”

Wow!

When a player like Hart—who’s all about the grind and does the dirty work—talks about egos and agendas, it tells you something’s off. The Knicks have talent, but according to Hart, the real issue lies in the mindset. The players are not fully on the same page when it comes to playing as a cohesive unit.

Hart went on to elaborate, saying, “At the end of the day, you have to go out there and execute at a high level. You have to play with energy, no egos, and a mindset to win. That’s the biggest thing.” That sounds like the words of someone who knows the Knicks have all the tools to succeed—they just need to focus on the right things.

Josh Hart, like Brunson, is frustrated by the lack of consistency in their play. It’s not enough to rely on talent alone; the team needs to be locked in and ready to fight for every win.

The Growing Issue of Personal Egos in the Knicks Locker Room

The most telling part of Hart’s comments, though, was his repeated mention of “egos.” This isn’t the first time a Knicks player has alluded to the issue of personal agendas within the team, and it’s starting to feel like a real problem. With a roster that’s got big personalities, there’s always a risk of individuals wanting to shine on their own. The problem is that this doesn’t work in basketball.

The game is about teamwork, trust, and sacrifice. According to Hart, if the Knicks want to compete with the top teams, they need to put their egos aside and focus on one thing: winning as a team. But what’s holding them back from hitting their full potential?

Remember that it’s not just one Knicks player talking about egos? Well, there have been whispers from inside the locker room that some players are struggling to check their egos at the door.

When you have stars like Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, both of whom are used to having the ball in their hands and taking charge, it can sometimes be hard for everyone to fall in line. But the Knicks need to figure this out if they want to move forward as a true contender.

At the end of the day, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are sending a clear message to their teammates: It’s time to put egos aside, focus on the team, and play the kind of basketball that will lead to success. There’s no room for personal agendas if New York wants to achieve their goals. The road ahead is tough, but if the Knicks can check their egos and play with energy and sacrifice, they could be a team to watch in the playoff race.