Tom Thibodeau has already eclipsed the final 12 Knicks coaches in victories, an accomplishment that most likely displays extra on the volatility of the place than his greatness by way of a brief stint.
However it’s a big milestone nonetheless to make it by way of three seasons whereas turning away the franchise’s insatiable need for turnover. And Thibodeau should final just a few extra to catch the subsequent coach on the record — Jeff Van Gundy.
“I had the nice fortune of being with Jeff throughout that stretch,” mentioned Thibodeau, who was an assistant on Van Gundy’s Knicks bench. “He did an unbelievable job. And we had nice gamers. And I’m actually benefiting from having actually good and nice gamers. You don’t do something by your self. I feel you do it together with your gamers, together with your workers, together with your group, so all of us share in that. So I’m happy with what we’ve performed however we’re simply starting.”
Thibodeau was on the new seat earlier this season, when, in accordance with Fox Sports activities, he advised any individual in his internal circle, “They’re going to fireplace me.” Final season, proprietor James Dolan gave permission to group president Leon Rose to fireplace Thibodeau, in accordance with a supply. Rose declined and now Thibodeau has emerged as a Coach of the Yr candidate, albeit a longshot, whereas the Knicks personal their greatest file in a decade.
Thibodeau’s greatest 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.
Within the course of, Thibodeau gathered 124 wins — greater than (prepare for an extended record) 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 by no means going to alter,” RJ Barrett mentioned. “He’s been the identical approach for the reason that first day I met him.”
Nonetheless, 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 mentioned, “Loads,” in accordance with ESPN.
The Mavericks, who're at the moment out of the play-in match, 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 might really damage the Knicks as a result of they personal Dallas’ top-10 protected first-round choose (if the Mavericks end of their present place, it’s unlikely that choose conveys to the Knicks this 12 months).
Requested if he’s shocked by Dallas’ tumble, Brunson mentioned Tuesday, “I'm shocked. I actually don't have any remark about that. It’s undoubtedly shocking.”
Doncic, in the meantime, mentioned he'll play in Wednesday’s sport towards the Kings regardless of an report that the group was contemplating sitting their star to safe a greater draft place.
RJ BACK IN ACTION
Regardless of his sniffles and clearly nonetheless feeling underneath the climate, Barrett went by way of follow Tuesday and plans to play in Wednesday’s sport in Indiana, which comes after the Knicks clinched the fifth seed within the East when the Nets misplaced to the Timberwolves on Tuesday night time. They'll play the Cavaliers within the first spherical.
Barrett missed Saturday’s victory over the Wizards due to the sickness.
The Pacers are out of the playoffs and have been sitting their greatest gamers, Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.
“In the event that they’re not in it then they’re taking part in guys who don’t get as many minutes, these guys are getting a possibility,” Barrett mentioned. “These guys are hungry. It’s not a cakewalk. These guys are attempting to show themselves. …It’s not going to be a gimme sport.”
BRUNSON NOT RESTING
Whether or not or not the Knicks clinch a playoff seed, Brunson doesn’t need to sit any of the remaining three video games.
“I like to play. I feel being in a rhythm is nice. If I’m in a position to go on the market and play, I’ll exit and play,” the purpose guard mentioned.
Brunson has handled late-season accidents to his hand and foot. Due to the play-in format, the Knicks could have no less than 5 days off between the tip of the common season and begin of the playoffs.
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