The New York Knicks have had a hell of a run this season and that carries over to the playoffs.
On Monday, the Knicks beat the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, 121-117. Through it all, New York coach Tom Thibodeau has continued to do it his way, despite the criticism.
One constant that has followed coach Thibodeau throughout his career is the idea of sending players to the floor. Things have been no different with this Knicks team during his tenure, as Thibodeau is constantly criticized for his old-school approach to playing his guys over 40 minutes.
“It’s always fun because especially now, during the playoffs, everyone plays 40 minutes. Some people can’t do it. Some people are 34 to 41 and don’t have the energy,” Josh Hart said of Thibodeau’s philosophy.
Obviously, Hart doesn’t mind heavy minutes and that was evident in Game 1 against the Pacers as he never left the court. Thibodeau played Hart in all 48 minutes of New York’s win, and Hart repaid that faith by scoring 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.