The New York Knicks’ 2024-25 NBA campaign concluded with a 125-108 defeat to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6, ending their most successful run since 1999. While the Knicks’ intense style of play helped them advance deep into the playoffs, analyst Shannon Sharpe raised concerns about how this approach, particularly under head coach Tom Thibodeau, contributed to player exhaustion and impacted Jalen Brunson’s performance.
Thibodeau’s Heavy Minutes Strategy Under Scrutiny
Tom Thibodeau is widely known for his demanding coaching style, emphasizing heavy minutes for his starters. This pattern dates back to his tenure with the Chicago Bulls, where his decision to keep starters on the floor led to Derrick Rose suffering a significant ACL injury. Sharpe suggested that such rigorous usage inevitably wears players down over a long NBA season.
Sharpe highlighted the physical toll on the Knicks’ players, stating,
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[Tom Thibodeau] grinds his guys down in the regular season,
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and added,
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So you can tell these guys didn’t have any legs.
”
Bench Usage: A Late Adjustment With Limited Impact
The Knicks’ starters carry a heavy load for wins, a strategy largely shaped by Thibodeau’s coaching philosophy rather than choice. Although Thibodeau eventually showed more trust in his bench, inserting Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup, this shift came too late to reverse the effects of accumulated fatigue. This adjustment helped secure victories in Games 3 and 5 but was insufficient in the end.
Sharpe argued for greater bench involvement earlier in the season:
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He’s got to start playing his bench a little bit more. I know he doesn’t really like playing the bench; he was like that in Chicago. It got him in trouble,
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referencing the situation that contributed to Rose’s injury.
Playoff Fatigue and Its Risks
Playing starters for 39 to 40 minutes in the regular season leaves little energy in the tank for the high-intensity playoff games, according to Sharpe.
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You’re playing guys 39 and 40 minutes in the regular season, and then come playoffs, you got to focus even more, so that burns more energy out of you,
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he explained. Fatigue at this level is unsustainable and hampers players from consistently performing at their best.
While some argue that Thibodeau’s limited bench usage reflects his roster’s composition, with only a few reliable role players like Josh Hart and Miles “Deuce” McBride available, this cautious reliance on starters raises questions about long-term viability.
Implications for the Knicks’ Future Decisions
Sharpe’s critique does not diminish the Knicks’ breakthrough postseason but points to underlying challenges that could hinder future success. As the team looks ahead, president Leon Rose faces critical choices about both roster upgrades and coaching strategies to avoid similar fatigue issues. Addressing these concerns may be vital for the Knicks to reach their championship aspirations.