The New York Knicks entered their first-ever Conference Finals in 25 years with pretty high expectations. However, two games into the series, the Indiana Pacers have silenced the city that never sleeps. You can say that the New York fans have seen everything. However, this is something even they did not anticipate. The Knicks threw away a 14-point lead in Game 1 with just around 3 minutes left on the clock. This loss stunned everyone. However, everyone expected them to bounce back on Friday. So, were they able to tie the series? Well, no. The unimaginable happened with the Knicks, as now they find themselves in a precarious position, being 0-2 in the Conference Finals. But what went wrong?
The Eastern Conference Finals tipped off with New York being defeated in their own game. What game? You might ask. Well, Tom Thibodeau and his men have been the ones making late comebacks and hitting clutch shots throughout the postseason. However, they were on the wrong end of things in the first two games. However, that’s not the only issue. The more important problem that might be the main cause of New York’s downfall is fatigue. If you have watched a team coached by Tom Thibodeau, you might be aware of his stubbornness when it comes to playing his starters all the time. You can even say it has become a cliché at this point. However, the same tactics that have seemed to work just fine are being exposed now.
No lineup has played more minutes this season than New York’s starting five. In fact, three of the Knicks’ starters are among the top five in average minutes in the league. This included Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby. However, trusting his starters is not the problem. The problem is sticking with the same starting lineup despite it yielding terrible results. Back-to-back losses and the team looking lackluster against the energized Pacers, who rotate very often. Yet, Tom Thibodeau refuses to accept that it’s the fatigue that’s affecting his team in the later stages of the game. When asked about it, he simply denied the fact.
May 19, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau coaches against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter of game seven of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
“Well, you know, we had a chance to tie the Ballgame. So it’s a hard-fought game; both games came down to the last play. So, you know, it’s whatever you think it is.” Thibodeau said.
He suggested that there was not much to be picked apart in Game 2. In fact, he pointed out how both games went down to the wire. However, the Knicks’ head coach might’ve missed the point that his team allowed Indiana to overcome a 14-point deficit in just 3 minutes. Moreover, almost every other lineup the Knicks are putting on the floor is working fine, except their starting five. You don’t have to take our word for it; the Knicks starters have been outscored by 50 points in the 308 minutes they’ve been on the floor in the playoffs. This is a huge problem for New York! If they don’t act now, their hopes of winning the finals might as well be done with.
Meanwhile, amid this do-or-die situation the Tom Thibodeau has sent a 5-word message to his starting center.
Knicks HC sends a 5-word message to Karl-Anthony Towns
Everyone was ecstatic when the New York Knicks got into the Eastern Conference Finals, including Karl-Anthony Towns. However, it seems that happiness is quickly fading away. On a night when the 29-year-old Knicks superstar was named in the All-NBA third team, Towns watched his team try to climb a mountain in the fourth quarter without him. Knicks head coach pulled out Karl-Anthony Towns in the final quarter of the game and only inserted him back into the game with just over a couple of minutes left. KAT has been New York’s rock this season. So, what went wrong?
Feb 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts to a play on the court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
It seems like his defense was the issue that led to Thibodeau opting for Mitchell Robinson in place of the All-Star big man. Defense has been something that has bothered Towns throughout the season. While he looks comfortable making shots on the other end of the floor, he’s struggled big time on defense. We are all aware of this, but what can he do to get better? Well, Tom Thibodeau had a message for his star player. “Just keep working at it.” Said Thibodeau after the disappointing loss against the Pacers in Game 2.
While many people were left stunned by Thibodeau’s decision to leave Towns on the bench with the team trailing. However, the Knicks’ head coach believed that the players on the floor gave him the best shot at the win, even though they failed to do so. After watching and hearing about all of this, things don’t look good in New York, as they head to Indiana next for a crucial game 3. If they have to do anything, now is the time for the Knicks. That’s because if they lose another game, it might be impossible to come back from a 0-3 deficit, that too, away from home. So, it will be interesting to see how Tom Thibodeau approaches Game 3.
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