The New York Knicks entered the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time ever since 2000. They’ve won 51 games in total, the most the franchise has won since the 2011-12 season. And despite having PG Jalen Brunson and C Karl-Anthony Towns making it to the All-NBA team, the Knicks have not been able to make much of an impact in the ECFs.
Brunson, KAT, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart – might seem like a talented team of starters, but it is time now to make a change as the Knicks reach a critical juncture.
Are Changes to the Starting Lineup Inevitable for the New York Knicks?
It seems like the individual talent of these five men isn’t enough. There’s a certain lack of communication and focus that’s impacting everyone in New York, who lost their second straight game to the Pacers (114-109 on Friday in Game 2), and the cracks are beginning to show.
Ian Begley, an NBA insider, revealed the major need via his X (formerly Twitter) account, writing: “Hearing the Game 3 lineup change being strongly considered by the Knicks is to move Mitchell Robinson to starting lineup and have Josh Hart come off the bench. My man @CPTheFanchise said earlier that NYK was strongly considering a change ahead of G3. NYK starting lineup is -50 in the postseason and -29 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Indiana has a 2-0 series lead and will host the Knicks on Sunday. Based on where things stand currently, Robinson will be starting in that game.”Â
Hearing the Game 3 lineup change being strongly considered by the Knicks is to move Mitchell Robinson to starting lineup and have Josh Hart come off the bench. My man @CPTheFanchise said earlier that NYK was strongly considering a change ahead of G3. NYK starting lineup is -50 in…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley)
All the starters have only performed well when they are not, in fact, starting the game together. They’ve also performed well when they are playing alongside Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson, with their offensive strategies.
After Friday’s loss, even coach Tom Thibodeau couldn’t help but agree to this, saying “We always look at everything”.
In the ECFs, Pacers have managed to open a game with a 19-9 lead in just six and a half minutes. It sends a polarizing statement even to the Knicks’ front office.
Is the Knicks’ Defense To Blame here?
Knicks do have a defense issue right now. They have five lineups who have played for at least 30 minutes in the postsesason. And their starting group has a rating of 117.6, which is not the best.
This is causing rips in their bond – all thanks to their lack of communication. At this stage, they cannot afford such leaks, or Indiana will take over and overwhelmingly leave them distraught.
Physically, the Knicks have the assets, but Pacers always take the edge all thanks to their mental fortitude. They are able to assess through the subtle cracks New York displays on court.
Changing the starting line up, and bringing in Robinson and then getting Josh Hart off the bench means they still have a chance. The former has risen to the occasion in the past as a strong defensive force against the Boston Celtics too.
Robinson getting more minutes means an ignition of fresh energey that can counter Pacers’ attempts to lead the game. Robinson can bring down their energy with eccentric rebounds.
It is the same for Josh Hart. He has the same spirit and essence as Robinson, even as he grabbed a few less rebounds as compared to the latter. Robinson along with KAT can reestablish the offensive side for the Knicks, definitely giving them the lead they need.
If it’s just Jalen Brunson carrying the load for the team, he will wear out soon. He needs all the offensive help he needs as their season seems close to the cusp of ending.
The two teams meet next on May 25 for Game 3.
