​Photo by Jason Miller/Getty ImagesMike Brown has delivered a blunt message to the New York Knicks after the defending NBA champions suffered their third consecutive defeat to open the new season.New York fell 111-102 to the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden, surrendering a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter as their early-season struggles continued.While Brown demanded greater accountability from his players, captain Jalen Brunson also addressed the team, urging his teammates to stay united through the difficult start.Mike Brown insists New York Knicks must improve after 0-3 startBrown made it clear that last season’s championship success would not excuse the Knicks’ current performances.Speaking after the defeat, the head coach said: “The biggest thing is to continue to coach them and/or tell them the truth.”He also warned that he would not tolerate a lack of effort, stressing the importance of practising the right habits and carrying them into games.However, his strongest words came when he explained why New York could not expect to turn things around simply by relying on their reputation as champions.Brown said: “If we’re trying and trying the right way, sometimes you got to fight through stuff like this to get yourself on track. But games like this will tell us that, like I said before, our c*** stinks. You know, it does. And we’re the only ones that can do something about it. There’s no light switch that we can just turn on and think we’re gonna go win ballgames.”The Knicks’ collapse against Orlando highlighted those concerns. They gave up 40 points late in the game and committed eight costly turnovers as the Magic took control.Brunson delivered a similar message to his teammates, although his approach was more measured.“Control what you can control; focus on the little details that may seem small but are going to impact winning. Most importantly, let’s do it together,” the Knicks captain said.New York have now lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Magic, leaving them at 0-3 to begin their title defence.The Knicks still have time to recover, but Brown’s message is clear: last season’s success will count for little unless his players start delivering on the court.Read more:Ex-NBA player defends Kris Dunn after causing Jalen Williams’ terrifying injuryEnes Kanter reveals why parents should never let their daughters date NBA playersNew York Knicks tie 2011 Dallas Mavericks record for worst season start from reigning NBA champions