The ongoing challenge for the New York Knicks in the 2025 Eastern Conference finals has highlighted their starting lineup’s performance issues. The season saw this group perform well in the regular season, clocking in an impressive 940 minutes during regular play and 308 in the playoffs. However, their effectiveness has dwindled over time, leading to an unfavorable record in the playoffs.

A Game-Changing Decision

As the Knicks face a daunting 0-2 deficit against the Pacers, a significant change is underway for Game 3: Mitchell Robinson will replace Josh Hart in the starting five. Robinson’s postseason presence has proven beneficial, with a positive point differential when he is on the court, emphasizing a need for change to improve efficiency.

Key Factors in This Move:

• Rebounding Strength: The Knicks have excelled on the boards, ranking ninth in the NBA without Robinson and significantly strengthening their performance when he plays.
• Player Rotation: Robinson’s starting will provide better management of his playing time and conserve energy for crucial segments of the game.
• Defensive Matchups: This adjustment allows for recalibrated defensive strategies, potentially shifting defensive responsibilities among key players.

This gamble comes as a result of Thibodeau’s typical reluctance to alter his lineup dramatically, but desperation in a series can lead to necessary adjustments. The Knicks are hoping this strategic shift will reinvigorate their playoff aspirations.