Knicks Considering Shocking Lineup Change: Will Hart Take a Seat for Robinson?

INDIANAPOLIS – The New York Knicks are exploring a shake-up in their lineup ahead of Game 3 in the Eastern Conference finals. They are currently down 2-0 to the Indiana Pacers, and Coach Tom Thibodeau is thinking about starting Mitchell Robinson over Josh Hart.

This would be the first change to the starting five all season, which includes Hart, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns when they’re healthy. The Knicks have struggled in this series, with starters getting outscored significantly. In Game 1, they were 13 points behind, and in Game 2, that number jumped to 16. The Pacers have shot an impressive 61% from the field and 52% from beyond the arc against the Knicks. Their defensive rating has been alarming, allowing 155.1 points per 100 possessions.

The Knicks’ starters have not been effective lately. During the postseason, they’ve had the worst plus-minus rating at minus-50. Their performance from January 1 through the end of the regular season also raised concerns, as they got outscored by nine points.

When asked about potential lineup changes after the Game 2 loss, Thibodeau said, “We always look at everything.”

Interestingly, Knicks starters have played the most minutes together in the league, totaling 914. They aim to become the first team since the 1987 Celtics to lead in starters’ minutes and still make it to the Finals.

Robinson, who missed a significant part of the season due to ankle surgery, could offer better defensive agility. The Knicks have struggled with the Pacers’ fast pace and frequent ball movement. With Robinson on the court, they’ve contested 52% of the Pacers’ shots, compared to just 42% when he’s not playing.

According to a recent ESPN report, this strategic change could be crucial for the Knicks to regain momentum going into a must-win Game 3.



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