The Knicks’ starting five continued to have problems as a unit in the heartbreaking opener of the Eastern Conference finals. 

In Wednesday’s 138-135 overtime loss to Indiana, the group consisting of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns struggled, being outscored by 16 points when they played together. Their defensive rating was a disappointing 167.4 during that time.

This poor performance is not an isolated incident. Throughout the postseason, this lineup has shown a negative trend. Over 13 playoff games and 292 minutes, they have a NET rating of minus-8.0, indicating they are being outscored by 8.0 points per 100 possessions. Additionally, their defensive rating in the playoffs stands at 116.5. In contrast, the Pacers’ starting five have a much better plus-19.3 NET rating in 182 minutes with a defensive rating of 105.5.

Interestingly, the New York Knicks’ top performers in terms of NET rating are not starters but reserves Mitchell Robinson (plus-8.4) and Miles McBride (plus-8.3), who are considered key defensive assets for the team. McBride, especially, stood out in Wednesday’s game by recording a team-high plus-12 in just 25 minutes. Despite their solid contributions, the Knicks still fell short in Game 1, squandering a 14-point lead in the final 2:59 of regulation.

Asked about potentially changing up his starters, coach Tom Thibodeau didn’t sound like he was planning to make an adjustment. 

“You look at everything. Everything’s always on the table,” he said. “You do what you think gives you the best chance to win. You also need players that are effective with the bench unit and then what starters are you gonna play with the bench unit. So I think it’s twofold.”

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The Knicks starters didn’t begin the series opener well, allowing the Pacers to score on their first eight offensive possessions.

Plus, when the Knicks created separation in the fourth quarter, Brunson and Bridges were on the bench. 

“Obviously, it starts with being ready to go in the beginning of the game,” Brunson said. “The first seven, eight possessions don’t help us from that number standpoint. But I have the utmost faith in these guys. Whatever all that stuff says, it’s great and all, but I have the utmost faith in these guys.”