The New York Knicks completed their best playoff campaign since the year 2000, but shockingly dismissed the coach who propelled them there after a loss in the Eastern Conference finals. The decision to let go of Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday surprised many, including fellow coaches.

One such coach, Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers, expressed disbelief at Thibodeau’s firing during a press conference preceding the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He stated, “When I first saw it I thought it was one of those fake AI things. There’s no way.”

Thibodeau was at the helm for five years, guiding the Knicks to four playoff appearances. Prior to their recent conference finals stint, the Knicks had succumbed to the Eastern Conference semifinals in the previous two years. This season, New York enjoyed a strong 51-31 regular season record and notably defeated the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, in the East semifinals.

Carlisle acknowledged the intense nature of coaching in New York, noting the unique challenges presented by such a passionate fanbase. Despite the firing, he is confident that Thibodeau will return to coaching in the NBA when ready: “Tom will certainly be fine… I respect Thibs greatly, and I was taken aback by the news.”