Why Thibs’ Stubbornness Could Doom the Knicks | HHT 57

On the fifty-seventh episode of the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, Geoff and XJ dig into the core issue threatening the Knicks’ playoff hopes: Tom Thibodeau’s stubborn, unbending coaching style.

Even with a loaded roster featuring Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks are underperforming — not because the Pistons are outplaying them, but because the Knicks are getting in their own way. Slow pace, stagnant offense, poor adjustments, and over-reliance on lineups that aren’t working have fans fed up.

This episode isn’t just about venting frustration. We break down the why — using stats, trends, and game film to show exactly how Thibs’ decisions are capping this team’s ceiling and threatening to waste one of the most talented Knicks rosters in years.

Key topics in this episode:
🔹 The shocking stats behind the Knicks’ underperforming starting lineup
🔹 Why Thibodeau refuses to make key tactical adjustments, even when data demands it
🔹 How the Knicks’ slow pace and isolation-heavy offense are playing right into Detroit’s hands
🔹 What Brunson’s elite isolation game masks — and what it exposes about team design
🔹 Why Deuce McBride isn’t the problem, and what fans are getting wrong about his impact
🔹 What has to change in Game 6 to avoid an embarrassing early exit

If you’re frustrated watching this team fall short of its potential, you’re not alone. We break it all down — and we don’t hold back.

👍 Like this video if you believe the Knicks can (and should) be doing more.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s the single biggest thing holding the Knicks back right now? Coaching, roster, or something else? We reply to every single comment!

#Knicks #NBAPlayoffs #TomThibodeau #JalenBrunson #DeuceMcBride #KnicksFans #HotHandTheory #NBAAnalytics #KnicksPistons #NBAPodcast

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Timestamps:
0:00 | Preview
1:38 | Intro
3:13 | The Knicks have reset to factory settings
7:58 | Thibs has adjusted even LESS than expected
16:25 | The Deuce McBride conversation
22:34 | Film study vs eye test
30:34 | Do the Knicks need more advantage creation?
41:00 | Why optimization is so important to THIS Knicks team
46:04 | Game 6 expectations
52:38 | Comment & SUBSCRIBE


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