The New York Knicks are taking on the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
New York entered Thursday’s game in a must-win situation after they lost Game 4 which put them down 3-1 in the series.
It was a great start for the Knicks as they led the Pacers by four points at the end of the first quarter and then increased their lead to nine points at halftime.
In the second half, New York was able to open up their largest lead of the series as they held a 20-point advantage over Indiana but the Pacers have made a slight comeback in the fourth quarter.
Jalen Brunson
Feb 28, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts with guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Jalen Brunson has led the way for New York with 30 points, four rebounds and four assists while Karl-Anthony Towns has added 20 points and 12 rebounds of his own.
While most of the Knicks’ rotation has played well in Game 5, one player that has continued to struggle is Josh Hart who currently has 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two turnovers to go along with a -2 plus-minus.
This has caught the attention of fans on social media as many are now calling on Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau to make a major change to his rotation regarding Hart.
“Thibs needs to take him out,” one fan posted on X.
“I pray he’s gone this offseason,” another commented.
“Guy keeps passing up on layups and then throws it away! Basic play and blows it,” another fan posted.
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3).
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3).
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
It is clear that fans want Thibodeau to reduce Hart’s minutes even more despite already moving him to the bench in favor of Mitchell Robinson in the series.
Despite this, Thibodeau remains set in his way and there is no doubt that Hart is one of New York’s key players due to everything he brings on the court, but if he continues to struggle, especially with turnovers, it may be time for Thibodeau to make a change.