The man tasked with getting the Knicks over the hump and back into the Finals for the first time since 1999 is Mike Brown. Brown is taking over for Tom Thibodeau, who was fired sh

During his first run as a head coach, Brown took the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2006-07, only to get swept by Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs. Two seasons later, Brown guided the Cavs to a franchise-record 66 wins and a spot in the Eastern Conference finals, earning him his first Coach of the Year Award.

The Knicks are singularly focused on winning a championship. New head coach Mike Brown received the message loud and clear. Brown understands the assignment at Madison Square Garden and is embracing the championship-or-bust expectations that come with his new job.