Knicks vs. Pacers, Game 3: Josh Hart Unfazed About Possible Loss of Starting Spot
INDIANAPOLIS — Trailing 2-0 against the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference finals, the New York Knicks are contemplating a significant change to their struggling starting lineup ahead of Game 3 on Sunday night, according to multiple reports.
SNY and ESPN reported that Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is considering starting center Mitchell Robinson for the first time this postseason. Robinson’s addition would move Josh Hart to the bench, ending his streak of 140 consecutive starts.
“I’ve been the 15th man, I’ve been the third man, I’ve been the sixth man, I’ve been whatever,” Hart said before Game 3. “I truly feel like I’m a starter in the league. I think I played amazing this year. So, if he does [make a change] … cool.
“I can’t sit here and preach about sacrifice and getting out of our own personal agendas and all that, and then, if a decision like that is made, then be mad at it, and not want to sacrifice, and not want to do that?” he added. “That’s not the kind of person that I am. So, if Thibs does that — which, I don’t know if he is or isn’t — I’m all for it. I’m gonna play my game, my minutes, my style, no matter if I’m coming off the bench or starting.”
This potential move would be a dramatic shift for Thibodeau, who has consistently favored a starting lineup of Hart, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. The current starters have underperformed, being outscored by 59 points in 687 combined minutes since January 1, including a minus-29 mark in 43 minutes against the Pacers.
Thibodeau is reportedly leaning toward starting a double-big lineup with Towns and Robinson, who has been impactful in the playoffs with averages of 4.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 19.5 minutes per game.
The Knicks have excelled with Robinson and Towns on the court, outscoring opponents by 27 points in 106 minutes and limiting them to 41.9% shooting. New York has also dominated the offensive glass, recovering 41.5% of its missed shots.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged Robinson’s impact, noting his plus-40-something rating in the Boston series and his defensive versatility. Regardless of lineup changes, Hart emphasized the need for increased energy and competitiveness from the Knicks to turn the series around.