The New York Knicks leaned on their defense and timely shot-making to take down the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs. But that edge didn’t stay with them for long. The Indiana Pacers brought a different level, and New York had no answers.
What followed was a bit controversial. Despite leading the team to the conference finals for the first time in decades, head coach Tom Thibodeau was let go. Some saw it coming, but others are still trying to figure out what exactly led to it.
Now, the reasons are starting to come into focus. Apparently, there was concern growing behind the scenes, especially about how much Thibodeau was asking from point guard Jalen Brunson, ultimately sparking comparisons to how Derrick Rose was handled in Chicago.
“One league source suggested history could serve as a warning precedent — that Brunson, who missed games this season because of ankle and calf injuries, would struggle to hold up long term without a more layered or balanced offensive system, just as Derrick Rose had faltered when he played for Thibodeau in Chicago.”
