Tom Thibodeau eyes major lineup shake-up with Mitchell Robinson likely to start over $58,540,000 guard in Game 3

Tom Thibodeau and the New York Knicks have their backs against the wall, down 2-0 to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. They are expected to make a major change for Game 3, starting big man Mitchell Robinson in place of guard Josh Hart.

New York-area NBA reporter Ian Begley shared the development on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday as the Knicks try to turn things around against the Pacers in the East finals.

Hart, who signed a four-year, $80,915,280 contract last year, including $58,540,000 in the first three years, has been starting for the Knicks. But as per data gather by Begley, the team is -50 in the postseason and -29 in the Eastern Conference final.

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Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks are looking to shake it up by putting Robinson in the starting five, joining Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby for Game 3 in Indianapolis.

The Knicks lost the first two games of the East finals at home in tough fashion. They saw the rug pulled from under them in the series-opener in overtime, 138-135, on May 21 before falling short in Game 2, 114-109, two days later.

Robinson played both games off the bench, averaging four points, 8.5 rebounds and two blocks in 25 minutes despite the intangibles he brings on both ends.

Tom Thibodeau underscores need for the Knicks "to be better'

The decision to insert Mitchell Robinson to the New York Knicks starting lineup is part of coach Tom Thibodeau's push to have the team play better against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals.

The coach underscored it in the postgame conference following the 114-109 loss to the Pacers in Game 2 to go 2-0 down in the best-of-seven series.

"We've just got to keep looking at it, just got to be better,” Thibodeau said.

Tom Thibodeau's player rotation and substitution pattern have come under fire off late as they continue to struggle against the Pacers. Many view him as being outcoached by his Indiana counterpart Rick Carlisle.

Among the things he's being criticized for is his stubbornness of inserting Robinson to the starting lineup or making changes in his starting unit.

Tom Thibodeau, in his fifth season coaching the Knicks, has compiled a 400-226 record. He has taken New York to the playoffs four times as coach, including the last three seasons.

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Mike Murillo

Michael Murillo is a journalist who covers basketball and MMA at Sportskeeda with over two decades of experience. Michael has contributed as a proofreader, columnist and journalist for the Philippine broadsheet BusinessWorld.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines with a degree in English Studies, basketball caught Michael's imagination from an early age. Varsity basketball helped Michael to express himself, and later, it opened doors into the world of journalism.

Michael has a particular admiration for the Phoenix Suns, inspired by Kevin Durant. Icons like Magic Johnson and modern legends like Durant have left an indelible mark on Michael for their revolutionary impact on the game.

Michael relies on the tried and tested method of thorough research to ensure accuracy in his content. He has interviewed multiple NBA players and officials with BusinessWorld, alongside athletes from various disciplines.

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