New York Knicks’ stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart have openly addressed the team’s disappointing performance against the NBA’s elite teams. Despite holding the fifth-best record in the league and currently sitting as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks have struggled against top-tier opponents, going 0-7 against the four teams ahead of them in the standings.

In a candid discussion on their podcast, “The Roommates Show,” Brunson and Hart didn’t mince words about the team’s shortcomings. Brunson expressed his frustration, stating, “Our record against the top teams in the NBA is pretty [expletive].” Hart added that this statistic should serve as a humbling experience, emphasizing the need for the team to recognize their shortcomings and strive for improvement.

Brunson further highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the team’s repeated embarrassing losses on national television should act as a wake-up call. He stressed the importance of the team coming together and utilizing the talent within the locker room to elevate their performance.

Looking ahead, the Knicks have a challenging five-game stretch against playoff-caliber opponents, starting with a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. This period presents a crucial opportunity for the team to prove their mettle and potentially improve their standing in the conference.

The Knicks’ recent struggles have not gone unnoticed. Analysts like Kendrick Perkins have suggested that Brunson and Hart consider pausing their podcast to focus on on-court issues. Additionally, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has labeled the Knicks as “pretenders,” questioning their ability to make a significant playoff impact.

Despite these critiques, Brunson and Hart remain optimistic. Hart believes that acknowledging their poor record against top teams can serve as motivation, pushing the team to reach a higher level both individually and collectively. Brunson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the team possesses the necessary personnel to succeed but must find a way to cohesively execute their game plan.

As the season progresses, the Knicks face the challenge of overcoming their deficiencies against elite teams. Their performance in the upcoming games will be pivotal in determining their readiness for postseason competition and their potential to be considered true contenders in the league.