Facing an 0-2 deficit in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks made a seismic shift ahead of Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers, benching longtime starter Josh Hart in favor of center Mitchell Robinson. This bold move by head coach Tom Thibodeau—a departure from his notoriously rigid lineup philosophy—underscored the desperation of a team teetering on elimination. Here’s how the decision unfolded and its implications for the series.
The Breaking Point: A Struggling Starting Five
The Knicks’ original starting lineup—Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns—had been a liability throughout the playoffs. Despite advancing past Detroit and Boston, the group was outscored by 81 points in 14 postseason games, with a staggering -29 net rating in the first two games against Indiana . Defensive lapses were glaring: they allowed 155.1 points per 100 possessions in the conference finals, far above the team’s postseason average of 113.0 .
Thibodeau, known for his reluctance to adjust lineups, finally conceded after Game 2: “We’ve got to do better” . The breaking point came when Towns, struggling defensively against Indiana’s pace, was benched in the fourth quarter of Game 2, and Hart managed just six points and six rebounds in 29 minutes .
Mitchell Robinson: The X-Factor
Robinson’s promotion marked his first playoff start since returning from offseason ankle surgery. The 7-foot center had already made an impact off the bench, averaging 7.1 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 19.5 playoff minutes while boasting a +8.6 net rating—second-best on the team . His pairing with Towns created a “twin towers” dynamic reminiscent of Thibodeau’s Minnesota Timberwolves, where Towns thrived alongside Rudy Gobert .
Statistically, the Robinson-Towns duo dominated:
- +27 point differential in 106 shared postseason minutes.
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41.5% offensive rebound rate, overwhelming opponents on second-chance opportunities .
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged Robinson’s disruptive presence: “He’s a rebounding machine. It’s almost impossible for one person to block him out” .
Josh Hart’s Professionalism Amid Demotion
Hart, who started 140 consecutive games before Game 3, responded to the benching with trademark selflessness. “I’ve been the 15th man, the sixth man… I’m all for [the change],” he said, emphasizing sacrifice over ego . Despite averaging 12.3 points and 8.5 rebounds in the playoffs, Hart’s production dipped against Indiana (7.0 points, 9.5 rebounds), and the Knicks were -14 during his Game 1–2 minutes .
In Game 3, Hart thrived off the bench, contributing 8 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes, including critical plays during New York’s fourth-quarter surge . His adaptability exemplified the “next man up” mentality Thibodeau demands.
Tactical Ripple Effects
The lineup shift aimed to address two key issues:
- Defensive Stability: Robinson’s rim protection and switchability onto smaller players disrupted Indiana’s high-octane offense, which thrives on paint penetration and second-chance points .
- Rebounding Dominance: With Robinson and Towns, the Knicks controlled the glass, limiting Indiana’s transition opportunities—a critical adjustment against the Pacers’ league-leading pace .
Thibodeau downplayed the significance of starters versus bench roles, focusing instead on “groupings.” He noted, “A player who starts might play bench minutes, and vice versa” . This philosophy allowed Hart to maintain a high workload (34 minutes in Game 3) while Robinson’s energy set the tone early .
The Outcome: A Lifeline for New York
The gamble paid off. The Knicks won Game 3 106-100, with Robinson adding 6 points, 6 rebounds, and stifling defense in 29 minutes . The revamped starting five (Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Towns, Robinson) held Indiana to 41.9% shooting and stabilized New York’s early-game energy .
Yet challenges remain. Towns, now playing power forward, must improve his perimeter defense against Pascal Siakam, who averages 10.3 points in the paint this postseason . Meanwhile, Thibodeau faces pressure to increase minutes for defensive sparkplug Miles McBride (+20.6 net rating) .
Looking Ahead: A Series Redefined
The Knicks’ lineup change breathed life into their championship hopes, but climbing out of an 0-2 hole requires sustained execution. For Indiana, countering New York’s size and physicality will be paramount. As Hart noted, “Every game’s intensity has to pick up… You can’t allow a team like this to get comfortable” .
In a series where desperation met innovation, Thibodeau’s willingness to adapt—and Hart’s embrace of sacrifice—may define New York’s season. Game 4 looms as another test of resilience, where legacies are forged in the crucible of playoff basketball.
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