Why Did The New York Knicks Fire Tom Thibodeau? + NBA Finals

Reese, Kmac, Pam and Alex discuss why this Knicks may have fired Tom Thibodeau and the NBA Finals.

The New York Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau. The decision was announced just days after the team was eliminated from the Eastern Conference Finals by the Indiana Pacers. Despite leading the Knicks to their first conference finals appearance in 25 years and securing a 51-31 regular-season record—their best in a quarter-century—the organization decided to part ways with Thibodeau. Team president Leon Rose, supported by owner James Dolan, emphasized the need for a new direction to pursue the franchise's first NBA championship since 1973.

Thibodeau, who had been under contract through the 2027-28 season, compiled a 226-174 regular-season record and a 24-23 playoff record during his five-year tenure with the Knicks. While he was credited with revitalizing the team and fostering a competitive culture, his coaching style—characterized by heavy reliance on starters and limited lineup experimentation—was cited as a factor contributing to the team's playoff fatigue and eventual downfall. Why did the Knicks fire Thibodeau?

In Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals last night, the Indiana Pacers faced a setback against the Oklahoma City Thunder, losing 123-107. This result tied the series 1-1, with the next game scheduled in Indianapolis on Wednesday, June 11.