The Knicks’ Starting Lineup: An In-Depth Look
The New York Knicks’ starting five has played more minutes than any other lineup in basketball, totaling 940 minutes during the regular season. This group features Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Only two other lineups have played even half as many minutes, showcasing Tom Thibodeau’s tight reliance on his best players.
Thibodeau’s Coaching Style
Thibodeau has served as a head coach for twelve seasons, during which one of his players has led the NBA in minutes per game in four of those seasons. His 2018 Timberwolves starters also recorded the most total minutes among all NBA lineups. This tendency to over-rely on top players is a defining characteristic of his coaching approach.
The Postseason Performance
While the Knicks’ postseason lineups have typically performed well, their starters stand out for the wrong reasons. Among the 18 most-utilized lineups, 12 boast a positive point differential, while the Knicks’ starters have been outscored by 50 points over 308 playoff minutes, a remarkably poor performance.
Statistical Anomalies
This type of negative point differential is almost unheard of. Historically, only seven lineups since 2008 have matched or surpassed a minus-50 threshold in a postseason, with most teams quickly abandoning underperforming lineups. Despite the data, the Knicks continue to rely on a starting group that has not yielded positive results for some time.
Game Insights
In Game 1 against the Pacers, the Knicks excelled when utilizing bench players. They outperformed their starting lineup by 13 points when at least one reserve was on the court. Nonetheless, Thibodeau opted to maintain the same starters for Game 2, leading to further struggles.
Defensive Concerns
Mikal Bridges noted that the starters are “perhaps playing too soft,” which reflects their defensive woes. With a playoff defensive rating of 117.6, this group would rank 26th in the NBA during the regular season. Thibodeau, known for a defensive mindset, has overlooked the success of players like Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson, who excel defensively this postseason.
The Road Ahead
The Knicks face a critical juncture in their postseason journey. By not adjusting the lineup effectively, Thibodeau risks missing the chance to clinch a spot in the NBA Finals. With the series slipping away, using the right players effectively could be vital for the Knicks’ chances of turning around their fate.
