Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau is once again relying on his starters. Entering Saturday’s game at Atlanta, Josh Hart was averaging 37.6 minutes in 73 starts and Mikal Bridges was averaging 37.6 minutes in 76 games.
Thibodeau says he’s just doing what he feels is proper, according to ESPN’s Chris Herring. “There’s no right or wrong,” Thibodeau said. “There’s what you feel is best for your team.”
We have more from the New York teams:
- Jalen Brunson will return from his ankle ailment on Sunday, NBA insider Chris Haynes tweets. The Knicks are playing in Atlanta on Saturday, with a home game against Phoenix on tap for Sunday. Brunson has missed the last 15 games. His anticipated return was reported heading into the weekend.
- With Brunson’s imminent return, Knicks guard Delon Wright‘s days as a starter are numbered. Wright, a free agent after the season, has gained trust from Thibodeau, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post writes. “[Wright has] shown everyone he’s more than capable,” the coach said. “We like the job that he’s done.”
- Noah Clowney‘s second NBA season was an overall disappointment, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. The 2023 first-round pick saw his production decline as ankle injuries piled up. He has numerous areas to work on, Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said. “His physicality [is an area of improvement], especially on the defensive end,” he said. “And then lately, his drive decisions, alright? If he’s not going to shoot it and he’s going to put the ball on the floor, how can he get to the rim with one-two dribbles and be efficient? Whether it’s an easy drive-and-kick or finish at the rim.”
- Two-way Nets player Tyson Etienne made his NBA debut on March 28 against the Clippers, then played 25 minutes against Minnesota on Thursday. “A lot of gratitude. This journey that I’ve been on has come with a lot of ups and downs. I’ve been putting a lot of work in for a long time,” Etienne told RG.org’s Grant Afseth. “Just to get that call — and for it to be where I’m from, New York — I’m just really grateful and excited to be a part of the team.”
And once again, a Thibs team will be gassed before the playoffs have started. Same thing, different year. It’s amazing this guy still has a job, despite making the same mistake over and over again.
i wouldnt go as far as saying he shouldnt have a job. But it is crazy that he is still running his starters into the ground lol
This offseason it’s time to thank him and move on
Cam:
But let’s say what we all know to be true, if this team does not advance past the second round, Tom Thibodeau is out. There’s absolutely no question about that. There has to be a new coach, if that turns out to be true.
Man you just can’t win with 2k
Play too much, play too little
Win too many games and take those magic balls outta the hopper lose too many games and fire the coach.
Id say NYK is batting above par for where they are at today. its pretty incredible feat too as they didnt have to give up a half decade for those ultra sexy tank years to get lean ….But yea lets fire Thibs
My goodness Cle and Bos are just plain better….next in the standings …..well that be NYK
When you repeat nonsense you don’t even search. Only shows your inability to understand this fame. This is the first time his starters have played this much. A true genius …….
And there is a reason for it.
I’m sure he has a reason – but is it a good reason?
2 guys at 37.5 min/gm, the 3rd at 36.5, 4th at 35.4 and the 5th at 34.9 exceeds every other season as you pointed out.
Brunson’s played 61 games only because of the ankle injury, the others are at 69-77. It’s hard to think they’ll be as energetic in the playoffs as their likely opponents (only 1 Pistons starter is at 35 mins, 1 at 32 and 3 are at 28 or less). Bucks being older and with less depth would be a better matchup for the Knicks in the 1st rd
Thibs always thinks he’s right.
“With Brunson’s imminent return, Knicks guard Delon Wright‘s days as a starter are numbered”.
But tell me why we shouldn’t continue to see him in the rotation, at least? He’s a strength to the bench, potentially.
Heres knicks playoff plan
Flop flop flop
Whine whine whine
Lose lose lose
Hart and Bridges both pkayed 32 mins today. In a 121–105 blow out of Hawks. Dyson should of kept his mouth shut. Starters are at too many mins. But its not as bad as it seems. This is basically a new team. Shamet has been more productive lately. We need that. Still can’t believe they let TJ walk. He is still out there as a FA.
Wow, for some time, 2k nation has been sending its “B” team to troll the NYK article comments. Now it appears it’s the “C” team. In any event, this almost has to be the worst of it. It’s a nation of feeblemindedness, but even they can’t go much deeper than this in that regard.
Clowney is a nice pka. Future starter imo. He’s young and still growing his body. This is the issues 19 yr olds face. Doesn’t even have his man body yet.
Nets need to be all about the draft.