Tom Thibodeau has already eclipsed the final 12 Knicks coaches in victories, an accomplishment that in all probability displays extra on the volatility of the place than his greatness via a brief stint.
But it’s a big milestone nonetheless to make it via three seasons whereas turning away the franchise’s insatiable want for turnover. And Thibodeau must final a couple of extra to catch the following coach on the listing — Jeff Van Gundy.
“I had the good fortune of being with Jeff during that stretch,” stated Thibodeau, who was an assistant on Van Gundy’s Knicks bench. “He did an incredible job. And we had great players. And I’m really benefiting from having really good and great players. You don’t do anything by yourself. I think you do it with your players, with your staff, with your organization, so we all share in that. So I’m proud of what we’ve done but we’re just beginning.”
Thibodeau was on the new seat earlier this season, when, in accordance with Fox Sports, he informed any person in his interior circle, “They’re going to fire me.” Last season, proprietor James Dolan gave permission to group president Leon Rose to fireside Thibodeau, in accordance with a supply. Rose declined and now Thibodeau has emerged as a Coach of the Year candidate, albeit a longshot, whereas the Knicks personal their finest file in a decade.
Thibodeau’s finest adjustment this season was narrowing the rotation to 9 gamers whereas chopping out veterans Evan Fournier and Derrick Rose. He’s additionally overseen the steep improvement climbs of Immanuel Quickley and Mitchell Robinson.
In the method, Thibodeau gathered 124 wins — greater than (prepare for a protracted listing) Mike Miller, David Fizdale, Jeff Hornacek, Kurt Rambis, Derek Fisher, Mike Woodson, Mike D’Antoni, Isiah Thomas, Larry Brown, Herb Williams, Lenny Wilkens and Don Chaney.
All whereas sustaining a enterprise first and solely method.
“He’s never going to change,” RJ Barrett stated. “He’s been the same way since the first day I met him.”
Still, Thibodeau’s solely midway to Van Gundy’s 248 victories.
BRUNSON MISSED IN DALLAS
Jalen Brunson’s success in New York is contrasted by the catastrophe involving the group he left behind in Dallas.
Luka Doncic, when requested Tuesday how a lot his group misses Brunson, flashed a “pained smile” and stated, “A lot,” in accordance with ESPN.
The Mavericks, who’re at the moment out of the play-in event, declined to supply Brunson a max extension earlier than final season and misplaced him to New York in free company.
Their commerce for Kyrie Irving solely intensified the frustration, which may really harm the Knicks as a result of they personal Dallas’ top-10 protected first-round decide (if the Mavericks end of their present place, it’s unlikely that decide conveys to the Knicks this yr).
Asked if he’s shocked by Dallas’ tumble, Brunson stated Tuesday, “I am surprised. I honestly have no comment about that. It’s definitely surprising.”
Doncic, in the meantime, stated he’ll play in Wednesday’s sport in opposition to the Kings regardless of an report that the group was contemplating sitting their star to safe a greater draft place.
RJ BACK IN ACTION
Despite his sniffles and clearly nonetheless feeling underneath the climate, Barrett went via observe Tuesday and plans to play in Wednesday’s sport in Indiana.
The 22-year-old missed Saturday’s victory over the Wizards due to the sickness. The Knicks (46-33) can clinch the fifth seed with a win Wednesday in Indiana and a Nets loss on the identical day in opposition to the Timberwolves.
The Pacers are out of the playoffs and have been sitting their finest gamers, Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.
“If they’re not in it then they’re playing guys who don’t get as many minutes, those guys are getting an opportunity,” Barrett stated. “Those guys are hungry. It’s not a cakewalk. Those guys are trying to prove themselves. …It’s not going to be a gimme game.”
BRUNSON NOT RESTING
Whether or not the Knicks clinch a playoff seed, Brunson doesn’t wish to sit any of the remaining three video games.
“I love to play. I think being in a rhythm is great. If I’m able to go out there and play, I’ll go out and play,” the purpose guard stated.
Brunson has handled late-season accidents to his hand and foot. Because of the play-in format, the Knicks may have at the least 5 days off between the tip of the common season and begin of the playoffs.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com