Shamet’s Steady Approach Makes Him Knicks’ Go-To Starter

Shamet has found that the best way to handle a starting assignment is to play the same way he does as a reserve. He said he used to feel pressure to change his approach when starting, but now aims to keep his routine and role simple.

Hart missed Tuesday’s game because he was sick, after sitting out the previous two with ankle soreness. Brown said Hart’s ankle had improved and that he would have played if he had not fallen ill. Shamet had also started the Knicks’ two games before Tuesday.

Brown said the team does not need a replacement starter to do anything extraordinary. He praised Shamet’s ability to contribute on both ends, play with pace and remain a threat opponents must defend, adding that finishing games matters more than starting them.

Before facing Milwaukee, Shamet was averaging 9.3 points while shooting 43 percent overall and 42 percent from three-point range. He had also played more fourth-quarter minutes than Mikal Bridges through the Knicks’ first nine games. Brown singled out Shamet’s defense, saying team tracking data identified him as the club’s top defender at the start of pick-and-roll plays.

The Knicks had used Miles McBride and Mohamed Diawara as starters when injuries arose, but Shamet has emerged as Brown’s preferred option. Shamet said the team’s needs can shift from game to game, and players must be ready to take on different responsibilities.