Tom Thibodeau recently admitted he’s finally open to changing the New York Knicks’ starting lineup. The Knicks finished the regular season with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference and eliminated the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
That run punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they’re currently facing Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers with a shot at reaching the NBA Finals.
After the Knicks shocked fans by blowing a 14-point lead with less than three minutes left in Game 1, Thibodeau and his rotation were heavily criticized. In a recent interview, the Knicks’ head coach revealed he’s seriously considering adjustments.
Tom Thibodeau Has Been Heavily Criticized for Overplaying the Knicks’ Starters
Every NBA coach brings a distinct style to the bench. Thibodeau is known for riding his starters hard, often leaving them on the floor with limited rest. That approach also limits opportunities for the bench to contribute.
While some Knicks players, including Mikal Bridges, have subtly pointed out the toll of long minutes, Thibodeau’s methods helped the team knock out the defending NBA champions and advance to the Conference Finals.
Still, after Haliburton and the Pacers pulled off a stunning comeback in Game 1, criticism intensified. Key players like Josh Hart and Bridges logged more than 40 minutes, and with the game going into overtime, fatigue became a factor. It’s easy to understand why fans voiced their frustration.
Thibodeau appears to be rethinking his strategy — something Knicks fans have been waiting to hear. Ian Begley, who covers the team, shared the coach’s comments on social media.
Tom Thibodeau says ‘everything is always on the table’ when asked about possibility of changing Knicks’ starting/closing lineups. The NYK starting 5 is -68 in the postseason & has logged most minutes of any playoff lineup: https://t.co/AJWckYlVbH
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley)
“Tom Thibodeau says ‘everything is always on the table’ when asked about possibility of changing Knicks’ starting/closing lineups. The NYK starting 5 is -68 in the postseason & has logged most minutes of any playoff lineup.”
That stat underscores the wear and tear Thibodeau’s top unit has endured. While the Knicks powered through the first two rounds, fatigue may finally be catching up — and it’s showing.
Now the question is whether Thibodeau truly plans to follow through. If he refuses to adapt his coaching style and give fresh legs more opportunities, the Knicks could be in serious trouble against Indiana.
If Thibodeau doesn’t adjust his rotation soon, the Knicks risk running out of steam before the series reaches its peak. The heavy minutes are taking a toll, and without fresher legs or a deeper bench strategy, New York could struggle to keep up. Change might be their only shot at survival.
