BOSTON — Knicks Struggle Continues
The confusion was palpable. Josh Hart and his teammates within the New York Knicks were left without answers after yet another disappointing performance.
Inconsistent Performance from the Starting Lineup
A starting lineup that was anticipated to dominate has been inconsistent for months. The decisive third quarter of Wednesday’s game, which further extended the Knicks’ playoff series against the Boston Celtics, highlighted these issues.
Questioning the Starting Unit’s Effectiveness
The Celtics, even without star player Jayson Tatum, effectively dismantled the Knicks’ starting group, particularly at the start of the second half. This raises the question: why does a lineup featuring All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, alongside formidable players like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, continue to falter?
Reflecting on the Recent Loss
“That’s a question you’ve asked me multiple times, and I don’t know,” said Hart after the Knicks’ 127-102 loss in Game 5, which narrowed their series lead to 3-2. He acknowledged the team’s need for improvement but seemed at a loss for solutions.
Challenges Against the Celtics
The Celtics have outscored the Knicks’ starters by a staggering 33 points throughout the series. Despite leading the defending champions, the Knicks have faced challenges in executing their game plan. Their earlier successes included remarkable comebacks from significant deficits, but their performance has waned.
Coach Thibodeau’s Strategy Under Scrutiny
In Game 5, Coach Tom Thibodeau maintained his lineup even as the Celtics outpaced them. His reasoning for keeping the starters on the floor, despite their struggles, seemed to stem from a desire to find a spark among his top players. However, the Knicks’ cohesion and communication faltered, leaving them vulnerable to fast breaks from the Celtics.
Path Forward for the Knicks
The Knicks need to make adjustments going into Game 6. Potential strategies include swapping players in the starting lineup or manipulating player minutes to find better combinations. Brunson needs to manage his fouls better, while others must elevate their game to avoid sluggish starts. “We need to be better,” Brunson stated bluntly, underscoring the urgency for improvement.
