Mitchell Robinson’s Surprising Start Shakes Up Knicks’ Strategy—Josh Hart’s Calm Reaction Raises Eyebrows

Sometimes, when a team’s season hangs by a thread—down 2-0 in a pivotal playoff series—it’s the subtle moves that speak volumes. The New York Knicks find themselves in exactly that bind against the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference finals. With survival on the line, Coach Tom Thibodeau has shaken up his tried-and-true starting five, finally inserting Mitchell Robinson into the lineup—a choice that snaps Josh Hart’s remarkable streak of 140 consecutive starts. It’s a bold pivot, one born out of mounting frustration as the starters have struggled to keep pace, being outscored 59 points since the beginning of the year. I can’t help but admire Hart’s take on it all—his mix of professionalism and grit regardless of where he’s slotted reveals the kind of locker-room presence that fuels deeper runs. This shift to a double-big frontcourt with Towns and Robinson isn’t just about numbers—it’s an attempt to inject energy and physicality where the Knicks have sorely lacked it. Now, the stage is set for Game 3: can this fresh look spark a comeback, or has the Pacers’ momentum simply run too deep? Time will tell—but one thing’s clear: Thibodeau isn’t afraid to tinker when the stakes climb higher than ever. LEARN MOREAdvertisementCarlisle now will have his Pacers prepared for a different look. No matter what Indiana does, though, Hart thinks bringing a ratcheted-up, tone-setting level of spirit and physicality from the opening tip will be vital if New York hopes to get back in this best-of-seven series.Starting-lineup talk doesn’t change Josh Hart’s game. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Starting-lineup talk doesn’t change Josh Hart’s game. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Starting-lineup talk doesn’t change Josh Hart’s game. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Starting-lineup talk doesn’t change Josh Hart’s game. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

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