A change or a major shakeup, what do the New York Knicks need to survive against the Indiana Pacers? Two back-to-back losses in the Eastern Conference Finals have left head coach Tom Thibodeau looking for answers. This isn’t what they were here for after 25 years. This isn’t how the 2024-25 NBA season is to end for the Orange and Blue. But amidst the preps for Game 3 and tough decisions, shooting guard Josh Hart finds himself.
However, this finding wasn’t particularly a happy one, but rather interesting. As Coach Thibs is planning on a starting five reshuffle. In search of momentum against Tyrese Haliburton & Co., reports say that the Knicks have “strongly considered” benching Josh Hart in favor of Mitchell Robinson. Thus, appearing before the media ahead of Game 3 in Indianapolis, the 30-year-old addressed the matter with honesty.
There are reports that Thibs might change the starting lineup, possibly sending you to the bench—how would he feel about that? Josh Hart didn’t mince words when he said, “I can’t sit here and preach about sacrifice and getting out our own personal agendas and all that, then be mad at it and not want to sacrifice and not want to do that.” He added, “That’s not the kind of person that I am. If Thibs does that, which I don’t know if he is or isn’t, I’m all for it. I’m going to play my game, my minutes, my style, no matter if I’m coming off the bench or starting.”
“I can’t sit here and preach about sacrifice and getting out of our own personal agendas and all that and then, 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.”
Josh Hart was asked about… pic.twitter.com/1myC0PTRwg
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Josh Hart has seen a sharp dip in form against the Pacers. After averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists during the regular season, he now posts just seven points, 9.5 rebounds, and four assists through two games. His three-point shooting has fallen from 41.3 percent to 33.3 percent. For a player on a four-year $80.9 million deal, the timing is off. Earlier, Hart was key to the Knicks’ playoff charge.
Perhaps his dedication to the game and the franchise overpowers his feelings on this matter. The team would need the winning mentality more than the minutes. Coming off the bench or starting the game wouldn’t matter at all if the Knicks face another loss and reach the threshold of elimination on Sunday. And while the New York Knicks settle to figure out Hart’s fate in Game 3, some news comes from Jalen Brunson’s end.
Amidst the new Josh Hart drama, Jalen Brunson’s injury news adds a twist before Game 3 of the ECF
An athlete’s grit often ignites belief when hope starts to fade. For the New York Knicks, that fire is Jalen Brunson. After dropping the first two games to the Indiana Pacers, fans feared the worst when Brunson limped off with an ankle injury in Game 2. The tension was real as every glance toward the sideline carried weight. Suddenly, their playoff dream seemed dangerously close to collapse.
Yet fortune has shifted. The Knicks have cleared Brunson for the crucial Game 3. This news has revived the spirits among the Knickerbockers as they hope for a flip in the script on Sunday. A player once doubtful now stands ready. His return does more than boost the rotation—it restores purpose. The Knicks are back in the fight. And with JB leading the charge, belief has quietly begun to rise again.
Feb 3, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) runs up court after basket during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Game 3 is no longer just another playoff clash, it is a heartbeat. The Knicks are chasing more than a win. They are chasing pride, identity, and one last shot at rewriting the story. With Jalen Brunson back and Josh Hart ready for any role, the spark is still alive. Now, it is time to turn pressure into passion and doubt into defiance. Sunday decides everything.
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