The Knicks were in Boston on Wednesday night and took a 3-1 series lead for Game 5. Jason Tatum burst Achilles at the end of Game 4, and was unavailable for the Celtics.
Despite Boston beating the top players, they came together for a 127-102 victory in Game 5. However, the Celtics are still down 3-2 in the series and are in New York for Game 6. Prior to Friday’s matchup, Knicks legend Charles Oakley defended manager Tom Thibodeau in his coaching style. Oakley believes in a rotation that New York is using this postseason.
Can Knicks close the series at home in Game 6?
The Knicks are about to do something in Game 6, which they haven’t played since 1999.
Will they do that, or will this series be seven games?
Celtics-Knicks Game 6 | Friday at 8pm on ESPN pic.twitter.com/wlcgk68iks
– ESPN’s NBA (@espnnba) May 15, 2025
Throughout the 2024-25 regular season, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was heavily criticised for his players’ rotation. Three of New York’s five starters finished their top five averaged in minutes in just a few games. All five starters were in the top 20. This season, the Knicks seemed to have been down by the heavy minutes they played each night.
In the playoffs at 2925, Thibodeau played the starter in minutes. Knicks legend Charles Oakley defended Thibodeau’s rotation ahead of Game 6 on Friday. Oakley said the best players should be on the court for 38-42 minutes per game. This is what appears to be Tom Thibodeau’s rotation in the 2025 postseason. Knicks legend mentioned how the team is trying to run the system.
That includes playing starters in heavy time. New York doesn’t have the same bench presence as other teams in the 2025 playoffs. Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride are the only bench players who see the Knicks’ consistent minutes. Game 6 is a Friday night and the Knicks have the opportunity to make history. They are able to win the playoff series at home for the first time since 1999. Tune it to ESPN at 7pm on SEST and watch the Celtics vs. Knicks.