DeMarcus Cousins Feels the Knicks Are Relying Too Heavily on Jalen Brunson

Former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins believes the New York Knicks need one more piece alongside Jalen Brunson to contend.

DeMarcus Cousins Feels the Knicks Are Relying Too Heavily on Jalen Brunson

DeMarcus Cousins on Jalen Brunson (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • DeMarcus Cousins believes the Knicks need another scoring option to relieve pressure on Jalen Brunson.
  • Karl-Anthony Towns is underperforming and must step up as a secondary offensive option for the Knicks.
  • Jalen Brunson praised the Indiana Pacers despite the Knicks' loss, acknowledging their competitive spirit.

The New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, have been through some ups and downs since the turn of the year. The Knicks started the year with just two wins in ten games. Since then, they have gone on to win nine of their last 11 games. However, on Tuesday night, they suffered a shocking 137-134 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden.

After a poor start to the year, the Knicks look like strong contenders in the East once again, improving their record to 34-20 as they sit third in the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Pacers continue to sit at the bottom of the standings with a 14-40 record.

On Tuesday night, Jalen Brunson recorded his fourth 40-point game of the 2025-26 campaign. He scored 40 points to go along with five rebounds and eight assists. The Knicks guard is currently averaging 27.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 49 appearances.

Brunson has become one of the most skilled players in the NBA today. Since being drafted into the league by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, Brunson has shown steady growth and has earned three consecutive All-Star selections since 2024.

The 29-year-old has become a fan-favorite in the city of New York, since joining the New York Knicks in 2022. Brunson helped his club win the 2025 NBA Cup last month and was named as the NBA Cup MVP for his performances. It was the franchise’s first title in 52 years since lifting the NBA Championship back in 1973.

However, on Run It Back, former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins felt that the Knicks are a piece away from getting over the hump.

I do think they still have things to figure out. On paper, they have the talent. They’ve been together long enough. They have the experience together. It’s just about remaining consistent. I do think they’re a piece away. They need to add another scoring option. I think it’s a lot of pressure on Brunson every night to be the go-to-guy.

After making it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, many believed that the Knicks would be the favorites to come out of a wide-open Eastern Conference this season. But with the Detroit Pistons showing no signs of slowing down and the Boston Celtics playing at a very high level, the Knicks will need someone other than Brunson to step up on the offensive end on a nightly basis.

Karl-Anthony Towns needs to step up as the secondary option

Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the Knicks in 2024. While OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are capable of having impressive scoring nights, it is Towns who has to be sharing the offensive burden with Brunson. However, Towns hasn’t looked very comfortable under head coach Mike Brown this season.

On an episode of the “Run It Back” show, Cousins pointed out that Towns has repeatedly failed to impose his presence as a big man.

Karl-Anthony Towns has to step up after two embarrassing games
Karl-Anthony Towns has to step up (Image via Open Source/X)

If anybody ya’ll should be mad at, it should be KAT. He should be defending himself. Stop letting these players punk you, bro. I’m calling the facts up. If you should be mad at anybody, it should be KAT. Stand up for yourself. The scouting report is to punk KAT.

Towns is averaging 19.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 49 appearances this season. It is his lowest points per game since his rookie season. The 30-year-old has to get back to his 2024-25 level for the Knicks to be able to get over the hump in the East.

Jalen Brunson does not want to overlook the Indiana Pacers

If there is one team that would be delighted to not see the Pacers in the postseason this year, it would be the Knicks. The Pacers took down the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games last season. But with their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, ruled out for the season, the Pacers have struggled to stay competitive this season.

However, they seem to have the Knicks’ number. Following the loss, Brunson praised the Pacers even though they have the East’s worst record this season in his post-match interview.

They kept their confidence and rhythm the whole game. Regardless of what the record is, they’re great. Great coach, they do everything well, they play hard, they play to the last second.

Most people expected the Knicks to win this game, but the Pacers had other ideas. Down the stretch in the fourth quarter and overtime, the Knicks struggled offensively. They went 11-for-26 in that span.

The Pacers are still one of the toughest opponents for the Knicks because they are well-matched. The two sides are scheduled for two more clashes next month.

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