New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has long faced criticism for overworking his starters, including in this year’s playoffs. However, the coaching veteran has consistently defended his tendency, reportedly drawing inspiration from Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.
Through 12 postseason outings, New York’s starting five of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns has logged extensive playing time. Each player is averaging over 35 minutes per game, with three averaging 39 mpg or more (Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby).
This has sparked concerns about the Knicks potentially suffering a key injury to their shallow roster. Nevertheless, the franchise enters its first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000 with a clear injury report. As a result, some have come to Thibodeau’s defense, noting that his coaching strategy is finally paying off.
Thibodeau Wants Players To Emulate Michael Jordan-Like Durability
According to ESPN’s Frank Isola, Thibodeau once sought to refine his coaching approach by gaining insight from Jordan into how he held up throughout his 15-year career.
“Tom met with Michael Jordan years ago to discuss how Jordan used regular seasons to prepare himself for the playoffs,” Isola tweeted on Tuesday. “You know who wanted Jordan’s minutes reduced, especially in the playoffs? Opposing coaches. I’m sure Rick Carlisle is advocating for Jalen Brunson to play less.”
Tom met with Michael Jordan years ago to discuss how Jordan used regular season to prepare himself for the playoffs.
You know who wanted Jordan’s minutes reduced, especially in the playoffs? Opposing coaches. I’m sure Rick Carlisle is advocating for Jalen Brunson to play less. https://t.co/fVkg5HXkn6— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola)
Jordan played in all 82 outings in nine regular seasons and 80-plus games in 11 campaigns. Even so, he consistently came through in the playoffs, regularly battling through setbacks en route to winning six NBA championships.
In 2022, Thibodeau touched on his affinity for players who suit up in every game, noting that elite fitness preparation is a personal choice.
“It used to be a big deal to play 82,” Thibodeau said. “When you talk to the guys that have done it, they always say that you condition your body to do what you want it to do. You talk to the Jordans and the Ewings and those guys, that’s what they did.”
"Used to be a big deal to play 82. When you talk to guys that have done it, they always say you condition your body to do what you want it to do…talk to the Jordans & Ewings etc…that's what they did…we have alot of those type of guys"
–Thibs on Brunson/RJ/Randle not resting pic.twitter.com/NSnq3LmniK
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork)
Thibodeau Standing Firm Entering 2025 Eastern Conference Finals
All signs point toward Thibodeau sticking with his top-heavy minutes allocation throughout New York’s upcoming East finals clash against the Indiana Pacers.
The Knicks last made the NBA Finals in 1999 and last won an NBA title in 1973, 52 years ago. If Thibodeau can get his team over the hump, he will be immortalized in the organization’s lore, likely silencing doubts about his methodology.
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Game 1 between New York and Indiana takes place on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won their regular-season series 2-1, though two contests came before the new year.
