As the playoff series between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons heats up, head coach Tom Thibodeau finds himself at the center of attention ahead of Game 3, writes Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
After the two teams split the first two games, Thibodeau is under pressure to make the right tactical shifts to avoid falling behind in the series.
The Knicks, viewed as contenders following a bold offseason push, are facing unexpected resistance from the less-experienced Pistons.
Game 2 was nearly a different story for New York – if Mikal Bridges had hit a last-second three-pointer, the conversation around Thibodeau’s decisions might look very different.
“If that [Bridges] shot goes in, we’re probably not talking about the other stuff. But that’s playoff basketball,” Thibodeau said.
“And then, what do you learn from the game, and how do you reset and get ready for the next one. And I think all that stuff is important. Each game, take what happened in the previous game, study and get ready for the next one.”
Bondy notes that Detroit’s physical edge – using bruising screens and strong box-outs – exposed a vulnerability in the Knicks’ approach. The onus now falls on Thibodeau to respond effectively.
One option? Leaning on the size and presence of both Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson together on the court.
With Pistons center Isaiah Stewart ruled out, as reported by The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson, going big could be New York’s best way to swing the advantage back in their favor.
Knicks Notes: Game 3 Adjustments, Toughness, Hart, Brunson https://t.co/8MtxhHDwP9 pic.twitter.com/sG1qYPa3r5
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 24, 2025
