The New York Knicks are at a crossroads. Down 2-0 to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, coach Tom Thibodeau may shake things up. According to multiple reports, Thibodeau is seriously considering pulling Josh Hart from the starting lineup in favor of Mitchell Robinson. The potential move would mark the first starting lineup change this season when all players have been healthy.
Knicks Set To Make Josh Hart-Mitchell Robinson Decision Amid Troubling Start
For a team that pride itself on stability, the Knicks bench Hart discussion signals a clear sense of urgency. Hart has been a critical piece all season, but Thibodeau now faces pressure to adjust as the Pacers continue to dominate early in games.
Starting Five Fails To Deliver In Key Moments
The Knicks’ starting unit has struggled badly in this series. In Game 1, the starters were outscored by 13 points. In Game 2, that margin grew to 16. Worse, New York’s defensive rating with the starters on the floor has ballooned to a staggering 155.1. The Pacers have shredded the Knicks with blistering efficiency, shooting 61% overall and 52% from three-point range.
These aren’t just two bad games either. Since January 1, the Knicks’ starting five holds a minus-50 plus-minus rating—worst among all playoff teams. This group has been ineffective at starting games for months.
Despite these struggles, Thibodeau has stood by his core. But with the season now hanging in the balance, the Knicks bench Hart scenario seems increasingly likely. When asked after Game 2 whether a lineup change was on the table, Thibodeau said, “We always look at everything.”
Robinson’s Defense Could Be The Spark Knicks Need
Robinson offers what the Knicks are missing right now: mobility, energy, and defensive versatility. Since returning from ankle surgery that kept him out for the first 58 games of the season, Robinson has quietly regained his form.
Against the Pacers’ high-speed offense, the Knicks need someone who can cover ground quickly and alter shots inside. With Robinson on the floor, New York contests 52% of Indiana’s shots. That number drops to 42% when he sits. His ability to rotate, block shots, and switch on the perimeter makes him a tempting option.
In Game 2, Robinson logged 29 minutes, finishing with 6 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. He even played 16 minutes in the first half alone, showing Thibodeau’s growing confidence in him. However, a late-game scare—where Robinson appeared to tweak his ankle—raises questions about his durability.
Still, the impact is undeniable. The Knicks discussion about benching Josh Hart exists because Mitchell Robinson has made it impossible to ignore his contributions.
Hart’s Role Under Scrutiny Amid Poor Team Starts
Hart has given the Knicks toughness, hustle, and rebounding from the wing. But in this series, the Pacers may have exposed the knicks limitations. Indiana’s quick ball movement and perimeter shooting demand quicker defensive rotations—something Hart has consistently delivered. However, the Pacers are a rangy team so Thibodeau may be considering using a double-big lineup to solve his starting lineup issues.
The last time the Knicks benched Hart was on January 27, 2024, against the Miami Heat. The last time he didn’t start in a playoff game came in Game 6 of 2023’s postseason—also against the Heat. Both decisions came when the Knicks needed a jolt. Sunday’s Game 3 could bring another one.
Hart’s benching wouldn’t signal failure, but rather a tactical shift. Sometimes, teams need to pivot to survive.
Knicks Must Respond Or Risk Collapse
Trailing 2-0, the Knicks must win Game 3 to stay alive. No team wants to face a 3-0 deficit, and Thibodeau knows it. Teams that go down 3-0 in a series are 0-159. Pretty damning odds. Whether or not the Knicks bench Josh Hart for Mitchell Robinson officially, they must change something to stem Indiana’s offensive rhythm.
The starting unit logged more minutes together than any other in the NBA this year. Yet that continuity may not translate to an NBA Finals appearance.
Now, with the season on the line, the Knicks must act boldly. Benching Hart could be the first domino in that reset.
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