Fun fact: On 215 out-of-timeout offensive possessions this season, the Knicks averaged 1.13 points when Jalen Brunson brought the ball over the midcourt line and 0.97 when he didn’t. Throw in eight to 10 possessions that begin after free throws and you have nearly a dozen possessions per game where Knicks opponents can set their defense—and potentially take the ball out of Brunson’s hands.
Too wonky for you? Fine, but these are the kind of details coaches on both sides will be poring over as the NBA Finals kick off Wednesday in San Antonio. How will the Spurs approach defending Brunson, New York’s offensive hub? What will the Knicks do with the inimitable Victor Wembanyama? And what are the wild cards in this series? Sports Illustrated asked three NBA assistant coaches—two from the Western Conference, one from the East—to address some of the key questions in the Finals.
