The New York Knicks announced a significant lineup change ahead of their must-win Game 3 on Sunday night, with Mitchell Robinson officially joining the starting five while Josh Hart will come off the bench. This adjustment aims to address the team’s struggles in the first two games of the series against the Indiana Pacers. The focus keyword, Josh Hart moving to bench for Knicks Game 3, reflects this critical shift.
Struggles of the Previous Starting Lineup Prompt Change
The previous Knicks starting lineup has been a major factor in the team falling behind 0-2 in the series. The unit, consisting of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns, registered a -29 net rating across two games, alongside a defensive rating of 155.1, underlining their difficulties against the Pacers. Coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his reluctance to alter the rotation, appears ready to make this strategic move to reverse the team’s fortunes.
New Two-Big Lineup Inspired by Previous Successful Formations
The decision to start Robinson is part of a shift toward a two-big lineup, recalling a similar concept from last season when Karl-Anthony Towns thrived alongside Rudy Gobert during his time in Minnesota. This combination has shown promise, with New York enjoying a +10.2 net rating this postseason when Robinson and Towns share the court. However, this new starting lineup remains largely untested, having played just seven minutes together so far in the playoffs.
Josh Hart Embraces Role Change With a Positive Attitude
Josh Hart expressed his readiness to accept the change if it is implemented, showing no resistance ahead of Game 3. Speaking at Sunday’s shootaround, Hart said,
“I’ve been the 15th man, I’ve been the third man, I’ve been the sixth man, I’ve been whatever,”
—Josh Hart, Knicks player
He added,
“I can’t sit here and preach about sacrifice and getting out of our own personal agendas and all that, and then, if a decision like that is made, then be mad at it, and not want to sacrifice, and not want to do that? That’s not the kind of person that I am. So, if Thibs does that — which, I don’t know if he is or isn’t — I’m all for it. I’m gonna play my game, my minutes, my style, no matter if I’m coming off the bench or starting.”
—Josh Hart, Knicks player
Thibodeau’s Hesitation and Other Potential Adjustments
Coach Thibodeau has shown reluctance to adjust the starting lineup despite the ongoing struggles. The current starting group, including high-profile players like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, has struggled badly this postseason, posting a combined -50 net rating through 14 games dating back to January. Yet, the gravity of being down 0-2 may persuade Thibodeau to make a decisive change.
Additionally, the Knicks could benefit from increased playing time for Miles McBride. While he averages just seven points per game, McBride’s defensive prowess has significantly impacted the series, reflected in his +20.6 net rating so far. His presence on the court may shift momentum if utilized more frequently.
What the Lineup Shift Means for the Knicks’ Future
This lineup change underscores the urgency facing the Knicks as they head into Game 3 in Indiana needing a victory to stay alive in the series. With Mitchell Robinson starting and Josh Hart adapting to a bench role, New York is clearly trying to find combinations that stop the Pacers’ momentum and better leverage their roster’s strengths. Whether this adjustment will be enough remains to be seen, but it signifies a pivotal moment in the team’s playoff campaign that could define their postseason trajectory.