Knicks Shift to New Starting Lineup in Eastern Conference Finals
INDIANAPOLIS — Facing a daunting challenge in the 2025 Eastern Conference finals, the New York Knicks have made a significant adjustment to their roster. After falling behind 2-0 against the Indiana Pacers, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has decided to shake up his starting lineup by promoting center Mitchell Robinson to a starting role ahead of Game 3.
This change marks a pivotal moment for the Knicks, as it is Robinson’s first start of this postseason and just his fourth start since returning to the team following ankle surgery in February. His inclusion bumps Josh Hart to the bench, breaking Hart’s impressive streak of 140 consecutive games as a starter.
Reflecting on his new role, Hart expressed a commitment to the team. “I’ve played at different positions, and I truly feel like I’m a starter in the league,” he mentioned during the Knicks’ shootaround prior to Game 3. “If a decision is made for me to come off the bench, I’m all for it. I’ll continue to play my game, regardless of where I sit.”
Thibodeau’s decision to alter the lineup is a notable departure from his usual approach. Historically, he has relied heavily on a specific group of starters—Hart, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges—often maintaining this combination as long as all were available. However, after a disappointing performance in Game 2, where the starting lineup struggled significantly, Thibodeau recognized the need for change. The starters managed to score only 13 points over 17 minutes of play before the team eventually lost by a narrow margin.
“We just have to keep analyzing the situation,” Thibodeau remarked when asked about the lineup’s performance issues post-game. His comments indicated a growing urgency to address the ongoing struggles of the starting five, who had been outscored by a total of 59 points over their last 687 minutes on the court since January.
The Knicks are now banking on the tandem of Robinson and Towns in a dual-big lineup, a strategy they’ve used effectively in previous matchups. During the playoffs, the pair has collectively outperformed opponents, showcasing their strength on both ends of the court.
Robinson is crucial to this strategy. Despite only averaging 4.1 points and 7.1 rebounds in nearly 20 minutes per playoff game, his impact goes beyond stats. He has shown an ability to disrupt opposing plays and create additional possessions for his team. In previous games, his presence on the floor has helped New York secure over 41% of their missed shots.
“Robinson has been a game changer since his return,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, highlighting the center’s versatility on defense. His ability to switch onto smaller guards is an advantage that will require adjustments from Indiana as they prepare for this new look from New York.
While the Knicks are making a move to boost their performance, Hart emphasized that the team needs to elevate its overall energy and competitiveness. He believes that the start of each playoff game is crucial to setting the tone. “Every game has to be played with higher intensity, and we can’t afford any lapses,” he stated.
As the Knicks look ahead to Game 3, they remain focused on shaking off the pressure of being down in the series. The team is determined to bring a stronger sense of urgency and fight against a talented Pacers squad.
The series may be in the early stages, but the Knicks understand the significance of this upcoming game. With the stakes rising, all eyes will be on how well this new lineup adapts and whether Robinson can provide that much-needed spark to turn the tide for New York.
