Tom Thibodeau faces rest vs. rhythm decision in Knicks' season finale
Share and Follow

The Knicks will hold a hearty rest vs. rhythm debate ahead of Sunday’s season finale in Brooklyn.

On one hand, the game at Barclays Center is meaningless.

The Knicks are locked into the third seed after Friday’s 108-102 loss to the Cavaliers, with the Pistons secured as the first-round opponent.

But the Knicks (50-31) are also riding a three-game losing streak with a need for confidence and reps ahead of the playoffs.

Tom Thibodeau was not willing to commit to using his usual starting lineup. He simply stated, “we’ll deal with Sunday on Sunday.” However, it was evident that he was dismayed by the current condition of the Knicks.

“We need to get rhythm. We need to get better as a team, we need to get a rhythm,” Thibodeau said. “You get the highest seed you possibly can, and then you make those decisions about whether you rest or what you’re doing.”

New York dropped to 1-3 since the return of Jalen Brunson, who missed 15 games — mostly in March — while recovering from a sprained ankle.


Tom Thibodeau argues a call during the Knicks' 108-102 loss to Cavaliers on April 11, 2025.
Tom Thibodeau argues a call during the Knicks’ 108-102 loss to Cavaliers on April 11, 2025. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The All-Star point guard, who scored a team-high 27 points Friday, seemed eager to play again before the postseason.

“I feel great. I feel better. Just continue to strive for that and just making sure I’m 100 percent myself going into tomorrow and Sunday and going for it,” Brunson said.



Does that mean he’s playing against the Nets?

“I want to win on Sunday,” Brunson said. “It’s just plain and simple.”


Jalen Brunson gives a dejected expression during the Knicks' loss to the Cavaliers.
Jalen Brunson gives a dejected expression during the Knicks’ loss to the Cavaliers. Jason Szenes / New York Post

On Friday, KAT was out. The rest were in.

On the second night of a back-to-back and with the third seed in the balance, the Knicks started four of their regulars Friday night against the Cavaliers.

Only Karl-Anthony Towns was on the inactive list because of the knee soreness that kept him out of previous contests.

OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, who sat out Thursday’s loss to the Pistons, were always expected to return.

Brunson’s availability, however, was somewhat surprising.

He only recently returned from that 15-game absence because of an ankle sprain and was listed as questionable ahead of Friday’s tipoff.

With Friday’s start, Brunson hit the 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility.


Several Knicks players wore T-shirts during warmups celebrating teammate Anuonoby, who is a candidate for an All-Defense selection.

The T-shirts showed Anunoby with glowing eyes with the message, “Demon on defense.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Texas 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos vanishes outside her home on Christmas Eve

Urgent: Texas Sheriff Reports 19-Year-Old Camila Mendoza Olmos at High Risk

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar has expressed concerns for the safety of…
Grandma who beat cancer five times is gunned down on Christmas Day

Tragic Christmas Day: Inspirational Grandma, Cancer Survivor, Fatally Shot

Tragically, a seasoned survivor who had conquered cancer five times lost her…
JSO: Woman taken into custody after shooting boyfriend at Northside apartment complex

JSO Arrests Woman for Alleged Shooting of Boyfriend at Northside Apartment Complex

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported a shooting incident that took place in…
Landlord allegedly kills 71-year-old tenant, hides body in barrel on Washington property

Shocking Discovery: Landlord Accused of Murdering Elderly Tenant and Concealing Body in Barrel in Washington

Authorities are investigating a chilling case in Washington after a landlord is…
Martin Scorsese remembers 'beautiful' friendship with late Rob and Michele Reiner

Martin Scorsese Reflects on Heartfelt Bond with the Late Rob and Michele Reiner

In a poignant reflection, Martin Scorsese mourned the unexpected loss of his…
Rob Reiner's daughter Romy pictured for first time since murders

Romy Reiner Makes First Public Appearance Following Tragic Incident

The tale is one of courage intertwined with sorrow. As the sun…
Cheryl Hines opens up about RFK Jr. offering fake split

Cheryl Hines Discusses the Misleading Rumors of a Breakup with RFK Jr.

Cheryl Hines recently disclosed that her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., suggested…
What went wrong on Bears' final play vs. 49ers in 'SNF' thriller

Bears’ Last-Second Misstep: Unpacking the Final Play Drama in 49ers’ ‘Sunday Night Football’ Showdown

The Chicago Bears once again found themselves on the brink of a…