Another day another brutal loss for the Knicks. They headed into tonight’s Pacers clash hoping to shake off Wednesday’s embarrassing defeat and taking their revenge by tying the series. But once again, Tyrese Haliburton and Co.’s fast paced offense proved too much to handle for Tom Thibodeau’s squad. And when time came to rely on the superstars, coach Thibs made a controversial decision of benching Karl-Anthony Towns for majority of the fourth quarter.
Yes, KAT was having a rough night, having scored just 20 points on 6 of 14 shooting. So, Thibodeau played him for only 28 minutes, much lower than his usual average. After the game, the head coach revealed the reason behind his decision, “We got in a hole and then the group that was in there gave us a chance. So, we were just riding that. Were just searching for a way to win.”
Unfortunately, the risk did not pay off and the Knicks lost the game anyway. Now, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins is worried about Thibodeau’s future with the Knicks, “If or when the Pacers win this series… Thibs decision to bench Towns in the 4th is going to get him fired. I get it he wanted to get some defensive stops but it didn’t work.”
If or when the Pacers win this series… Thibs decision to bench Towns in the 4th is going to get him fired. I get it he wanted to get some defensive stops but it didn’t work.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 24, 2025
(Developing Story)
The post Ex-NBA Champion Concerned for Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks Future as Karl-Anthony Towns Decision Clarified appeared first on EssentiallySports.
