Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau opted for a smaller lineup during the second half against Boston on Saturday. He replaced power forward/center Precious Achiuwa with guard Miles McBride, as noted by Peter Botte of the New York Post.

This change helped New York close a 13-point deficit, narrowing the Celtics’ lead to just three points. However, Boston regained control and eventually won by 27.

Thibodeau explained the reasoning behind the move, saying, “That was part of the reason why we put Deuce in the second half, just to get the shooting, because of the help that was coming from the backside, just to try and open it up for [Karl-Anthony Towns] a little bit more.”

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