Knicks’ Mike Brown hates ringing phones more than ‘hack-a-Mitch Robinson’

Mike Brown went viral for his reaction towards a ringing phone during the postgame press conference of the New York Knicks’ Game 1 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

Brown was answering a question about Mitchell Robinson, who missed three of his four free throws as Atlanta attempted the “Hack-a-Mitch” strategy. He was midway through his answer when one of the reporters’ phones ringed for a text message. This had Brown pick up the phone and deliver a warning to the one whose phone rung.

#Knicks coach Mike Brown at the presser after Game 1 vs #Hawks got interrupted while he was talking about Mitch Robinson’s FTs by someone’s text message alarm pic.twitter.com/DPcnwqnugJ

— Darko Dželetović (@DarkoBasketball) April 19, 2026

After that event, Brown continued his thoughts on playing Robinson. He emphasized the center’s importance on the court, continuing to give him a chance despite the free throw weakness.

“We’ll see how the game goes and we’ll leave him in until we think we need to make a sub. Whenever we feel like we need to make a sub, we will. We’re going to give him a chance,” Brown said.

"We'll see how the game goes and we'll leave him in until we think we need to make a sub. Whenever we feel like we need to make a sub, we will. We're going to give him a chance."

Mike Brown talks about his approach with Mitchell Robinson and "Hack-a-Mitch" pic.twitter.com/E9WtYjsI2D

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 19, 2026

How Mike Brown, Knicks performed against Hawks

Hilarious moment aside, Mike Brown will turn to Mitchell Robinson in key points as the Knicks took down the Hawks for the 113-102 win in Game 1.

Both teams competed throughout the first half as New York only led 57-55 at halftime. Despite this, the hosts came through with a 26-19 display in the third quarter to create significant distance from Atlanta and secure the series-opening win.

Five players scored in double-digits for New York in the win. Brunson led the charge with 28 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and one steal. He shot 9-of-22 from the field, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Towns came next with 25 points and eight rebounds, while OG Anunoby had 19 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges provided 11 points each.

The Knicks will look to take a 2-0 series lead when they host the Hawks in Game 2. The matchup will commence on April 20 as tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET.

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