Name: Jalen Brunson's ankle, Tyler Kolek's role, and Knicks-Pistons playoffs? | Begley's Mailbag
Uploaded: 2025-03-25T12:40-05:00
Duration: 619 s
Description: On Begley's Mailbag, SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley answers fan questions from Knicks fans, including where things stand with Jalen Brunson's ankle, if Precious Achiuwa and Tyler Kolek can stay in the rotation, what a Knicks-Pistons playoff matchup could look like, and the aftermath of the Karl-Anthony Towns-Draymond Green situation.

Mets

Though obviously disappointed with the loss, Mets starter Griffin Canning felt he executed his pitches well except for Yordan Alvarez's RBI double in the sixth inning which proved to be the decisive run in a 2-1 loss. Reliever Max Kranick fared better against the Astros' slugger, inducing a foul pop up with the bases loaded in the eighth inning. Francisco Lindor credited Houston with playing a strong series but felt the Mets as a whole had quality at-bats and doesn't expect the offense to struggle for an extended period.

Francisco Lindor, Griffin Canning and Max Kranick discuss the Mets 2-1 loss to Houston

The Mets scored just five runs in the three-game series against the Astros but manager Carlos Mendoza felt his team just faced some good arms. In Saturday's 2-1 loss Mendoza thought the Mets hitters were "caught in between," at the plate facing  Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti, taking some hittable pitches early that allowed him to settle in. On the bright side, he was impressed with Mets' starter Griffin Canning and reliever Max Kranick, who escaped some tough jams. 

Carlos Mendoza not discouraged despite Mets dropping two of three to Astros

Juan Soto spoke about his first home run as a member of the New York Mets, a third inning blast as his team topped the Astros 3-1. Soto emphasized it felt extra special to get his first home run in a team win.

Juan Soto on his first home run as a New York Met as they top the Astros 3-1

SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino joins Sal Licata on Baseball Night in New York to discuss Brett Baty as the infielder makes his first start of 2025, playing second base.

Brett Baty set to make his first start of 2025 playing second base

Carlos Mendoza spoke about Juan Soto's first home run as a New York Mets as the team defeated the Houston Astros 3-1. Mendoza marveled at how Soto was able drive a pitch out of the strike zone for a home run. 

Carlos Mendoza on Juan Soto's first home run as a Met: 'He's a special player'

Mets pitching prospect Blade Tidwell was dealing for Triple-A Syracuse, striking out five batters over 5 innings in his first start of the season. Tidwell finished strong in the top of the fifth, where he struck out the side in order. He only allowed one hit and one earned run in the victory.

Mets prospect Blade Tidwell dominates in win for Triple-A Syracuse

Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza spoke about starter Tylor Megill and how the righty fits in with the team's rotation. Mendoza also spoke about his message to Brett Baty, and his potential to have an impactful season.  

Carlos Mendoza on how Tylor Megill fits into Mets rotation and the expectations for Brett Baty

On The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo discuss the status at second base for the Mets, and how things will develop between Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuna, plus what could happen once Jeff McNeil returns from injury.

How will things play out for the Mets at second with Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuna? | The Mets Pod

SNY’s Sal Licata explains why he still “loves” Juan Soto despite his ninth-inning strikeout and why he believes Soto will continue to deliver in clutch situations throughout his Mets tenure.

Should Mets fans be upset with Juan Soto for not capitalizing in the ninth inning? | SportsNite

Yankees

On SportsNite, SNY's Niki Lattarulo and Emmanuel Berbari recap an amazing day at Yankee Stadium that saw Bombers hit nine home runs,  three on the first three pitches they saw, setting a new team record.

Niki Lattarulo and Emmanuel Berbari talk the Bronx Bombers making history against the Brewers

Yankees manager Aaron Boone called it a "raucous situation," watching his team launch four homers in the first inning, going on to set a new franchise record with nine on the day. Boone was not pleased with the Yankees defensively but on a historic offensive day in which they scored 20 runs, that took a back seat.

Aaron Boone on Yanks 20-run explosion: 'Wow what a performance' 

Former Yankee Nestor Cortes had a day to forget as his former team exploded for 20 runs, including nine home runs in a 20-9 rout. Aaron Judge blasted three homers and drove in eight runs while Cody Bellinger had three hits and four RBI. Paul Goldschmidt started things off with a solo shot to lead off the first inning in which they went deep four times. He talked about continuing to add on and admitted the team's familiarity with Cortes' pitching played a big part in their success. Bellinger said "it was super unique" to be a part of but was also in awe of Judge's monster day. The Yankees' captain tried to downplay his performance but agreed the atmosphere was "electric."

Yankees pummel ex-teammate Nestor Cortes and Brewers with nine-homer, 20-run onslaught led by Aaron Judge's three HR 

Aaron Boone and Cody Bellinger discuss the Yankees’ Opening Day win over the Brewers, what it means to be part of the winning culture in the Bronx, and Carlos Rodon’s start.

Aaron Boone and Cody Bellinger react to Yankees' 4-2 win over Brewers

After the Yankees’ 4-2 victory over the Brewers, Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodon discuss Austin Wells’ leadoff home run, starting the season with a win, and Rodon’s fall in the fourth inning.

Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodon on Austin Wells' big game for Yankees at and behind the plate

New York Yankees starter Max Fried says he'll be taking in every second of his first Opening Day in the Bronx. Plus, manager Aaron Boone previews Game 1 and provides an update on Giancarlo Stanton.

Giancarlo Stanton update from Aaron Boone on Yankees Opening Day

Devin Williams and Paul Goldschmidt explain how excited they are to play their first game in the Bronx as members of the New York Yankees. The two new additions are ready embrace the great expectations that come with being a part of this franchise.

Devin Williams and Paul Goldschmidt ready for Yankees Opening Day

SNY's Sal Licata, Hannah Keyser, John Jastremski, and Jon Hein discuss the Yankees choice to go with Carlos Rodon on Opening Day instead of Max Fried.

Carlos Rodon named Opening Day starter for the Yankees | Baseball Night in NY

SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino reacts to the news that Yankees' ace Gerrit Cole will miss the 2025 season to undergo Tommy John surgery and details what New York can try to do to improve their pitching depth.

How Yankees could adjust without Gerrit Cole this season

Jets

On Jets Nation, Bart Scott and Connor Rogers break down how the Jets can build their offense around Justin Fields.

Can the Jets unleash Justin Fields' full potential as an NFL QB?

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes contemplates where the Jets will shift their focus next with starting quarterback Justin Fields in place.

NFL Insider on what lies ahead for the Jets till the NFL Draft

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes breaks down the Jets' decision to sign former Ravens CB Brandon Stephens after they lost D.J. Reed in free agency and why he thinks head coach Aaron Glenn will be able to bring out the best in Stephens.

Why Jets chose Brandon Stephens to replace D.J. Reed at corner back

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes discusses the Jets signing Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal and why the former Bears and Steelers QB is the perfect guy to take a chance on.

Jets sign Justin Fields to two-year, $40 million deal

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes discusses Jamien Sherwood re-signing with the Jets for $45 million and how the linebacker went from a special teams player to one of New York's defensive leaders.

NFL Insider breaks down Jamien Sherwood's $45 million deal with Jets

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes speaks about the Jets releasing Davante Adams after playing only 11 games in New York and what the team may do to bolster their wide receiver corps.

What's next for Jets offense after releasing Davante Adams?

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes says the Jets opted to take OT Olu Fashanu in last year's NFL Draft over TE Brock Bowers, preferring protection over playmaker. This year, Penn State tight end Tyler Warren is a definite consideration with the No. 7 pick. He's the complete package both as a receiver and a blocker, something the Jets have not had at that position in quite some time.

NFL Insider on TE Tyler Warren definitely being on the Jets radar in the upcoming NFL Draft 

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes and SNY Jets Analyst Connor Rogers discuss the quarterbacks at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft, and share what they’ve heard regarding current evaluations of Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.  They also discuss the potential of Jaxson Dart being selected in the first round.

2025 NFL Combine: Will Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders end up in NY?

Former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders called himself "the ultimate cheat code" at the NFL combine as teams decide if he should be their next signal caller.  Sanders talked about his greatest talents as a football player, handling pressure on and off the field, and how he feels about transitioning to the NFL.   

Could QB Shedeur Sanders be 'the ultimate cheat code' for the Jets or the Giants?

Giants

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes says the Giants signing of veteran QB Russell Wilson doesn't change their pursuit of a future franchise quarterback. Connor adds that the Giants must find a way to come out of the upcoming NFL Draft with either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.

NFL Insider reacts to the Giants decision to sign veteran QB in Russell Wilson

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes remains more convinced than ever that despite signing veteran quarterback Jameis Winston to a two-year contract, they fully intend to pursue a new franchise signal-caller in this year's NFL Draft. They view Winston as a "bridge" QB while they contemplate trading up to select Colorado's Shedeur Sanders with Tennessee holding on to the No. 1 pick and drafting Miami's Cam Ward.  

NFL Insider confirms that the Giants have signed QB Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8M deal 

After a dreadful 2024 season, the Giants have already bolstered several key positions in free agency. Safety Jevon Holland arrives from the Dolphins, and corner Paulson Adebo hopes to transform a Giants secondary following four years with the Saints. Defensive lineman Chauncey Golston comes from the archrival Cowboys, while a familiar face in Darius Slayton is staying put. The veteran receiver signed a new three-year deal with New York and said, "This is the best place for me to be."

Darius Slayton, Jevon Holland, Paulson Adebo and Chauncey Golston meet media after signing deals with Giants 

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes speaks about the Giants signing safety Jevon Holland and how New York's defense is shaping up.

How Jevon Holland solidifies the Giants defense

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes reacts to the Giants signing former Saints CB Paulson Adebo and explains why the team thinks Adebo has "a ton of upside."

NFL Insider breaks down Giants signing former Saints CB Paulson Adebo

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes reports that the Giants QB search is shifting to Plan B after Matthew Stafford opted to remain with the Rams. Among the veteran signal-callers being "discussed" includes now former Jet Aaron Rodgers. Connor stresses that other veteran QBs like Russell Wilson, Sam Darnold and Justin Fields are also in the mix and Rodgers is not the favorite at this point.

NFL Insider on possibility of Aaron Rodgers moving from Gang Green to Big Blue

SNY NFL Insider Connor Hughes discusses rumors that the Rams are interested in trading Matthew Stafford and whether the Giants would be a potential suitor. Hughes also explains how acquiring the veteran QB could lead to the Giants drafting two-way player Travis Hunter. 

Are Giants in the market for Matthew Stafford, could that open door to draft Travis Hunter?

Knicks

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley pulls back the curtain on a big win for the Knicks over the Bucks on Friday night, which featured big performances from OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Tyler Kolek.

Ian Begley breaks down big Knicks win over Bucks

On SportsNite,  SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley joins Michelle Margaux from MSG where the Knicks fell to the Clippers 126-113. More importantly, they suffered another injury to their backcourt as Cameron Payne injured an ankle. Ian says the Knicks will rely on veteran Delon Wright and rookie Tyler Kolek to fill the void.

Ian Begley reacts to Cameron Payne injury in Knicks loss

Just one night after an excellent performance against Dallas, the Knicks fell flat in a 126-113 loss to the Clippers. Mikal Bridges attributed it to lack of execution, Josh Hart credited LA with "playing faster than we did," while Karl-Anthony Towns said they have to continue to maintain a "next man up," mentality and get back to their game regardless of injuries.

Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns on Knicks' uninspired loss to LAC

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau knew playing back-to-back nights would be "a challenge," especially having to face a rested Clippers team. The Knicks' nine turnovers led to 18 points against them and ultimately a 126-113 loss. Already shorthanded in the backcourt with Jalen Brunson and Deuce McBride sidelined, Thibodeau then had to do without Cameron Payne for the entire second-half with an injury. The coach however made no excuses, saying they were more than capable of "overcoming adversity," but didn't get it done.

Tom Thibodeau breaks down the Knicks' sub-par second half in loss to Clippers

On Begley's Mailbag, SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley answers fan questions from Knicks fans, including where things stand with Jalen Brunson's ankle, if Precious Achiuwa and Tyler Kolek can stay in the rotation, what a Knicks-Pistons playoff matchup could look like, and the aftermath of the Karl-Anthony Towns-Draymond Green situation.

Jalen Brunson's ankle, Tyler Kolek's role, and Knicks-Pistons playoffs? | Begley's Mailbag

On SportsNite,  SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley joins Jon Alba from MSG discussing the historic Knicks win over the Mavericks which included triple-doubles by Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart. Hart's ninth triple-double, the most in this or any season in Knicks history and the first time two Knicks registered triple-doubles in the same game.

Ian Begley reacts to historic win for Knicks at MSG

Josh Hart called breaking Walt Frazier's Knicks' team record for triple-doubles "a blessing." Teammate Karl-Anthony Towns was happier with the win over Dallas than his triple-double but perhaps the biggest basket of the night came from Kevin McCullar Jr. who notched his first NBA points after missing a full year recovering from knee surgery. Hart gave McCullar Jr. the game ball, saying his record is "cool but no hesitation giving Kevin the game ball."

Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns talk triple-doubles, Kevin McCullar Jr. on his first NBA points in Knicks win

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau felt the team was "trading buckets" in the second quarter but led by triple-doubles from Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns plus a 35-point night from OG Anunoby the Knicks pulled away from the Mavericks for an impressive 128-113 win. Thibodeau also cited the team's excellent ball movement that added up to 40 assists which the coach said makes them "very hard to defend."

Tom Thibodeau comments on Knicks' big second half in win over Dallas 

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley discusses how Jalen Brunson is making positive strides toward returning. Begley adds that while this is good news, the team won't rush Brunson back before he’s 100 percent healthy.

Ian Begley on Jalen Brunson's return, says Knicks won't 'rush him back'

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