The New York Knicks pulled off a surprising victory in Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers, thanks to some unexpected changes in the lineup by coach Tom Thibodeau. Normally resistant to making adjustments, Thibodeau took a gamble that paid off in a big way. By giving Delon Wright and Landry Shamet more playing time than usual, the Knicks were able to mount a comeback and secure a crucial win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Wright and Shamet, who hadn’t seen much action in the postseason, made significant contributions despite their limited minutes on the court. Thibodeau’s decision to expand the rotation to nine players, including these two, proved to be a game-changer. While their stats may not have been off the charts, it was clear to anyone watching that their presence had a positive impact on the team’s performance. In contrast, most of the starting lineup struggled, highlighting the importance of Thibodeau’s unconventional choices.
The Knicks’ success was also aided by Miles McBride stepping up in the fourth quarter after Jalen Brunson ran into foul trouble. McBride, who had a slow start to the game, managed to turn things around and make key plays down the stretch. Thibodeau’s willingness to trust his bench players in crucial moments was a departure from his usual approach, but it ultimately paid dividends for the team. Despite facing criticism in the past for his reluctance to rotate players, Thibodeau’s strategic adjustments proved to be the difference-maker in a must-win game.
