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Knicks Face Must-Win Game 3 With Radical Lineup Overhaul

NBA access_alarms2025-05-26 18:18:25 visibility14 text_decrease title text_increase

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Table of Contents

Backs Against the Wall

Down 0-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks are preparing dramatic changes for Game 3 against Indiana. Coach Tom Thibodeau's potential move to bench starters Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson signals urgent tactical recalibration.

Struggling Starters Exposed

New York's starting five has become a postseason liability, posting a -50 net rating. Hart's defensive limitations against Tyrese Haliburton and Robinson's mobility issues against Indiana's small-ball tactics have proven particularly problematic.

Knicks Face Must-Win Game 3 with Bold Lineup Shakeup: Hart and Robinson on the Bench?

The Proposed Shakeup

Thibodeau's rumored adjustments aim to:

• Deploy Robinson's shot-blocking (1.88/game) against drives
• Utilize Hart's energy with the second unit
• Create spacing for Jalen Brunson through Karl-Anthony Towns' floor-stretching

High-Risk Adjustments

While potentially addressing rebounding and switching issues, these changes carry significant risks. Hart's perimeter defense withdrawal and Robinson's free throw struggles (40.9%) could create new vulnerabilities against Rick Carlisle's strategic counters.

Win-or-Go-Home Calculus

After surrendering massive leads in both games (17-point and 31-point advantages), the Knicks must reverse their defensive collapse. Their playoff defensive ranking plummet to 14th contrasts sharply with regular-season performance, exacerbated by Indiana's 40.5% three-point shooting.

Key Factors for Survival

- Hart's bench playmaking must energize outscored reserves
- Robinson needs to convert defensive presence into transition opportunities
- Thibodeau must outmaneuver Carlisle's adjustment history

Championship-Caliber Test

As ESPN's Bobby Marks observes, New York's roster possesses theoretical title potential. Game 3 will reveal whether strategic gambles can transform regular-season promise into playoff survival against Indiana's relentless execution.