Mike Brown slams referees for ‘pretty alarming’ free-throw discrepancy in tough Knicks loss

Knicks coach Mike Brown criticised the officiating after New York lost 115-107 to Cleveland at Madison Square Garden, pointing to a large free-throw gap. He said the disparity was concerning and may have contributed to the Knicks losing the possession battle, while stressing it was not the sole reason for the defeat.

New York attempted 11 free throws to Cleveland’s 25, and Jalen Brunson played nearly 35 minutes without taking one, the first time that had happened since February 2025. Miles McBride also questioned a late blocked shot that he thought should have been called goaltending. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 21 points and 11 rebounds for his 11th consecutive double-double to open the season, matching a Knicks record set by Willis Reed in 1970-71.