What happened: Brown's plan keeps New York's opening group on a controlled ramp rather than a full dress rehearsal. Monday should bring only a short look at the starters before the Knicks lean more heavily on the rest of the roster.

Why it matters: Preseason minute loads are one of the few public clues to how close a rotation is to regular-season shape. A limited run suggests Brown is still prioritizing timing and conditioning over an extended look at his first unit.

What to watch: Watch whether Brown extends that group later in the preseason or keeps the same light pattern into the finale. The substitution cadence Monday should offer the clearest hint.