The NY Knicks are looking to bounce back in Game 2 of their series with the Atlanta Hawks, and head coach Tom Thibodeau is seriously pondering some major adjustments.
First things first, New York is not in panic mode. We knew this was going to be a close series.
The Knicks were a possession away from winning the game with their best player having one of the worst games of his career.
That being said, in a series with two teams who are this evenly matched, you’re going to see some small lineup and matchup tweaks across the different games.
For the Knicks, their first lineup tweak might be their starting point guard.
NY Knicks: Immanuel Quickley can become a game-changer as the starting point guard
It’s a topic that has been tirelessly covered for the last few months – When are the Knicks demoting Elfrid Payton?
I was actually content with the adjustment Thibodeau made in April – The decision to continue starting Elfrid Payton while reducing his minutes.
However, the situation has recently devolved into something much worse. Payton is playing his worst basketball of the season, and the NY Knicks are 3 losses away from elimination.
I never expected Thibodeau to start someone else in Game 1, but last week I wrote how if Payton played at the same level as he had in the first game, Game 2 would be the time to make the change.
Here we are.
SNY’s Ian Begley, who was at Thibodeau’s most recent press conference, said Tuesday,
"“I’ve heard Tom Thibodeau asked dozen of questions about lineup changes over the course of this season…this answer seemed a little bit different to me…It seemed like he was saying we (The Knicks) are evaluating which players gives us the best chance to win”"
Changes may be on the horizon, and honestly, I can see the arguments for Derrick Rose or Frank Ntilikina being named the starter.
Still, Quickley is the best option. Here’s why.