After falling to a 0-2 deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks are considering making changes to their starting lineup for Game 3. The big change includes removing wing player Josh Hart for backup Center Mitchell Robinson. Following the Game 2 loss, Head Coach Tom Thibodeau said, “We always look at everything,” when asked about potential lineup or rotation changes. This was first reported by SNY and by Shams Charania of ESPN.
Decisions, Decisions For New York Knicks
This would be the first change all season to New York’s starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart when all are available.
The Knicks’ starters have been outscored by the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 by 13 points and by 16 points in Game 2. Robinson, who underwent ankle surgery last postseason, missed the first 58 games of this season. He would bring more mobility in the paint on the defensive end and be an improvement at the perimeter. The New York Knicks have struggled with Indiana’s pace and depth, which has exposed Towns at crucial times.
The Knicks have contested 52% of the Pacers’ shot attempts with Robinson on the floor compared to 42% with Robinson on the bench, according to ESPN Research. The Pacers have also shot an incredible 61% from the field and 52% from 3-point range with New York’s starters on the court.
Looking Ahead
The New York Knicks needed three double-digit comeback wins to overthrow the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics in the second round. The starting five’s plus-minus rating is -50, the worst in the postseason. They were also outscored by 9 points from January 1 to the end of the regular season.
The starters have played a league-high 914 minutes together, which is much more than any other team. They are looking to be the first team since the Celtics in 1987 to make it to the Finals after leading the league in starter minutes. We will have to keep an eye on final decisions going into a pivotal Game 3.
