The New York Knicks are in a tough spot as they battle the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, trailing 0-2 after dropping both home games. The Knicks’ inability to close games has sparked intense scrutiny, particularly around head coach Tom Thibodeau’s decisions. On May 25, 2025, during Game 3’s halftime, TNT’s Kenny Smith delivered a zinger, saying, “Thibodeau wouldn’t play nine guys in a baseball game,” poking fun at Thibs’ unusual substitution patterns as the Knicks struggled. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about whether the Knicks can close out crucial moments or if their playoff hopes are slipping away.
Need to Know: Key Points About the Knicks’ Struggles
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Struggles to Close Games | The Knicks have squandered late leads, notably a 14-point advantage in Game 1, losing 138-135 in overtime. |
| Thibodeau’s Questionable Choices | Fans and analysts criticize Thibs’ rotations, like benching Karl-Anthony Towns in key moments. |
| Kenny Smith’s Commentary | Smith’s viral quip about Thibs’ nine-man rotation in Game 3 highlights coaching concerns. |
The Knicks’ Failure to Close in Game 1
Game 1 set the tone for the Knicks’ struggles to close. Leading by 14 points with under three minutes left, New York collapsed, allowing the Pacers to storm back, fueled by Aaron Nesmith’s six fourth-quarter three-pointers and Tyrese Haliburton’s buzzer-beater to force overtime. The Knicks ultimately fell 138-135. Jalen Brunson dropped 43 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 35, but defensive lapses and poor execution in crunch time cost them. Thibodeau later admitted the team let their guard down, a recurring issue that has fans on edge.
This meltdown wasn’t just a fluke. The Pacers have a knack for late-game heroics, pulling off similar comebacks in the playoffs. For the Knicks, closing games requires sharper focus, especially against a deep Indiana squad that thrives on momentum. Brunson’s foul trouble in the fourth didn’t help, but the team’s inability to adjust defensively was glaring.
Thibodeau’s Coaching Under Fire
Tom Thibodeau’s coaching has been a lightning rod for criticism. Known for riding his starters hard, Thibs surprised everyone in Game 3 by using a nine-man rotation, a move that baffled analysts like Kenny Smith. Smith’s quip during the TNT broadcast—calling out Thibodeau for playing nine guys when he typically leans on a tight rotation—went viral. Fans echoed Smith’s sentiment, frustrated by Thibs’ decision to tinker with lineups while trailing 58-45 at halftime.
In Game 2, Thibodeau’s choice to bench Towns for most of the fourth quarter in favor of Mitchell Robinson raised eyebrows. While Robinson’s defense helped at times, the move backfired as the Knicks couldn’t close a winnable game, losing 114-109. Stephen A. Smith, a vocal Knicks fan, blasted Thibs for limiting Towns to 28 minutes, arguing it hurt the team’s offensive flow. With the Knicks down 0-2, Thibodeau’s adjustments—or lack thereof—are under a microscope.
Kenny Smith’s Viral Moment
Kenny Smith’s commentary has added fuel to the Knicks’ narrative. During Game 3’s halftime, with New York struggling, Smith landed a perfect joke about Thibodeau’s rotation: “Thibodeau wouldn’t play nine guys in a baseball game.” The line captured the absurdity of Thibs deviating from his usual playbook. Posts on X lit up, with fans and analysts amplifying Smith’s critique. His earlier jab, calling out Thibs for a coaching blunder against the Pacers, also resonated, pointing to a pattern of questionable decisions in high-stakes moments.
Smith’s surprise at Thibs’ nine-man rotation underscores a broader issue: the Knicks lack consistency. While Thibodeau’s stubbornness is part of his coaching identity, his sudden shift to a deeper bench in Game 3 confused players and fans alike. The Knicks need to close games with their best players on the floor, but Thibs’ choices haven’t inspired confidence.
Can the Knicks Close the Gap?
The Knicks’ inability to close games stems from more than just coaching. Defensive breakdowns have plagued them, especially in Game 1, when Nesmith caught fire and Haliburton delivered clutch shots. In Game 2, the Knicks’ starters were outscored by 29 points in the series, a shocking stat for a team four wins from the NBA Finals. Brunson and Towns are carrying the offense, but the supporting cast—Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby—hasn’t stepped up consistently.
Thibodeau hinted at a potential lineup change for Game 3, with Mitchell Robinson possibly starting to counter Indiana’s frontcourt. Yet, the Knicks’ bench, typically a weak point, hasn’t matched the Pacers’ depth. Indiana’s ability to roll out 10 players keeps them fresh, while New York’s heavy reliance on starters leaves them gassed late in games. Closing out quarters and games requires a collective effort, something the Knicks haven’t mastered.
The Path Forward
The Knicks face an uphill battle in Indiana for Game 3. Trailing 0-2, they can’t afford another loss. Thibodeau must balance his trust in starters with smarter substitutions to keep the team fresh. Fans are calling for more minutes for players like Cameron Payne and Miles McBride, who’ve shown flashes of impact. The Knicks also need to shore up their defense, particularly against Haliburton and Nesmith, who’ve exploited New York’s lapses.
Brunson’s leadership will be critical. His 43-point Game 1 performance showed he can carry the load, but he needs help. Towns, despite his hand injury, must stay on the floor in crunch time. The Knicks’ ability to close games hinges on execution, not just effort. If they can’t fix their late-game woes, their first NBA Finals trip since 1999 will remain a dream.
Learning from the Past
The Knicks-Pacers rivalry adds context to their current struggles. In 1994, Reggie Miller’s choke sign to Spike Lee after a 25-point fourth quarter became legendary. Haliburton channeled that energy in Game 1, flashing the same gesture after his buzzer-beater. History shows the Knicks struggle to close against Indiana, a trend that’s haunting them again. Thibodeau, an assistant during those 1990s battles, knows this rivalry’s intensity but hasn’t found the formula to outsmart Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.
Fans are frustrated, and the pressure is mounting. Kendrick Perkins even suggested Thibs’ job could be on the line if the Knicks don’t turn things around. While firing Thibodeau seems drastic, the fanbase’s patience is wearing thin. The Knicks must close this series gap to keep their season alive.
Conclusion: Can the Knicks Turn It Around?
The Knicks’ journey to close out games and this series is daunting but not impossible. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, like their Game 1 dominance before the collapse. Brunson’s heroics and Towns’ scoring give them a fighting chance, but they need sharper coaching and better execution. Kenny Smith’s jokes highlight the absurdity of some decisions, but they also reflect a deeper truth: the Knicks must adapt to close out the Pacers. Game 3 is a must-win, and New York’s resilience will be tested on the road.
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