The New York Knicks' NBA Finals aspirations were ultimately cut short Saturday night when they fell to the Indiana Pacers, thus losing the series 4-2. This comes after Knicks fans felt like they were on top of the world after knocking off the defending world champion Boston Celtics.
There was plenty of blame to go around, especially from the media. Some were assigning much of the blame to Karl-Anthony Towns and his lack of defensive ability, as the Pacers were exploiting him in the pick-and-roll during the series-clinching game.
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) against the Phoenix Suns.
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
How the NBA world is reacting to Knicks' firing Tom Thibodeau
However, some were assigning a majority of the blame to New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. It appears that the Knicks' front office and ownership were listening, as the team announced on Tuesday afternoon that they were firing Thibodeau.
After Shams Charania initially broke the news, he appeared on SportsCenter to discuss the shockwave it has sent throughout the league.
"My Phone is blowing up right now with executives," Charania said. "Everyone around the league just stunned. Every player on this Knicks roster felt like overperformed. You saw Jalen Brunson become an All-NBA All-Star guard. Karl-Anthony Towns, an All-NBA performer as well.
"Josh Hart as well, who tweeted out something positive about Tom Thibodeau. They all had great years under him, but clearly the Knicks did not feel like Tom Thibodeau was going to be the coach to take them over the top."
One could argue the two-man game between Brunson and Towns was one of, if not the best in the NBA. For some reason, they went away from that down the stretch and took turns playing isolation basketball.
Following the Knicks' playoff exit, it raises more questions about what the team has planned for the offseason this summer, particularly with its roster. While Towns was an integral part of the Knicks getting to the Conference Finals, it's not out of the question that the Knicks could look to move him this summer.