Knicks starting lineup change: Why Tom Thibodeau benched Josh Hart for Mitchell Robinson in Game 3 vs. Pacers

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and the Knicks desperately need a win in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers.

After much speculation, New York head coach Tom Thibodeau changed the team’s starting lineup ahead of Game 3, going with center Mitchell Robinson in place of guard Josh Hart.

first up tonight pic.twitter.com/2P6G8xDN3H

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 25, 2025

This is the first change to Thibodeau’s preferred starting five this season. The quintet of Hart, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges, when healthy, have started every game. Knicks starters overall have played a league-high 914 minutes together this year, far more than any other team in the NBA.

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Robinson, who missed New York’s first 58 games following an offseason ankle surgery, brings a greater defensive presence at the rim and on the perimeter, which is key since the Knicks have struggled to slow down the Pacers fast-moving offense in the first two games of the series.

Here’s what to know about the Knicks starting lineup change.

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Knicks starting lineup change Game 3 vs. Pacers

Tom Thibodeau replaced Josh Hart with Mitchell Robinson in the starting lineup for Game 3. The move is mostly for defensive purposes, as the Knicks starters have failed to slow down Indiana’s offense in the first two games of the series. 

The Pacers are shooting 61% from the field and 52% from 3-point range with New York’s starters on the floor. New York’s starting five also has a -29 rating in the Eastern Conference Finals and a -50 rating during the postseason.

Thibodeau decided to play Robinson at center instead of Towns for most of the fourth quarter in the Knicks’ 114-109 loss in Game 2. While he scored 20 points, Town’s lack of mobility on the perimeter seemed to be an issue. He also wasn’t as strong on the offensive boards as Robinson, who routinely keeps possessions alive with his relentlessness.

KAT hedging on McConnell here is one of the worst defensive coverages I have seen all season. pic.twitter.com/nS51WnRG8P

— Coach Gibson Pyper (@HalfCourtHoops) May 24, 2025

Thibodeau said after the game that “the group that was in there gave us a chance, [we were] searching for a way to win.” Reports quickly began to surface that a lineup change for Game 3 was a real possibility.

The Knicks head coach is now removing Hart from the starting lineup, most likely to throw a different look at Indiana with two big men on the floor. The veteran said before Game 3 that he would be willing to come off the bench to help the team win.

“I can’t sit here and preach about sacrifice and getting out of our own personal agendas and all that and then, a decision like that is made, then be mad at it and not want to sacrifice and not want to do that. That’s not the kind of person that I am.”

Josh Hart was asked about… pic.twitter.com/1myC0PTRwg

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 25, 2025

“I can’t sit here and preach about sacrifice and getting out of our own personal agendas and all that and then, a decision like that is made, then be mad at it and not want to sacrifice and not want to do that. That’s not the kind of person that I am,” Hart said.

To be fair to Hart, the Knicks have struggled the most when Karl-Anthony Towns has been on the floor this postseason, as KAT is not in any of the Knicks’ top-four five-man groupings. Hart is in three of the top four, while Robinson is in all four. Clearly, though, Thibodeau thinks pairing KAT and Robinson can help the Knicks on the defensive end while maintaining Towns’ ability to contribute offensively.

Every Knicks 5-man lineup that has played 15 minutes or more together this postseason.

Pretty obvious who is on the floor when the team struggles. pic.twitter.com/rJMdao2DkG

— Peter Dewey (@peterdewey2) May 25, 2025

Josh Hart stats

Hart has started every game for the Knicks in the postseason and is averaging 12.3 points with 8.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists. While he’s been a solid contributor offensively, his best attribute has always been hustle and energy, and bringing him off the bench may provide more of a spark for the languishing Knicks.

Here’s a look at Hart’s full stat line from the 2024-25 playoffs.

Mitchell Robinson stats

Robinson has played in every game for the Knicks in the postseason and is averaging 4.1 points with 7.1 rebounds, and 0.4 assists. He has played 273 minutes in the playoffs and the Knicks have won those minutes by 41 points. While Robinson would certainly bring a greater defensive presence to the starting lineup, his poor free throw shooting remains a concern.

Here’s a look at Robinson’s full stat line from the 2024-25 playoffs.