NEW YORK — Tom Thibodeau has already eclipsed the last 12 Knicks coaches in victories, an accomplishment that probably reflects more on the volatility of the position than his greatness through a short stint.
But it’s a significant milestone nonetheless to make it through three seasons while turning away the franchise’s insatiable desire for turnover. And Thibodeau will have to last a few more to catch the next coach on the list — Jeff Van Gundy.
“I had the good fortune of being with Jeff during that stretch,” said Thibodeau, who was an assistant on Van Gundy’s Knicks bench. “He did an incredible job. And we had great players. And I’m really benefiting from having really good and great players. You don’t do anything by yourself. I think you do it with your players, with your staff, with your organization, so we all share in that. So I’m proud of what we’ve done but we’re just beginning.”
Thibodeau was on the hot seat earlier this season, when, according to Fox Sports, he told somebody in his inner circle, “They’re going to fire me.” Last season, owner James Dolan gave permission to team president Leon Rose to fire Thibodeau, according to a source. Rose declined and now Thibodeau has emerged as a Coach of the Year candidate, albeit a longshot, while the Knicks own their best record in a decade.
Thibodeau’s best adjustment this season was narrowing the rotation to nine players while cutting out veterans Evan Fournier and Derrick Rose. He’s also overseen the steep development climbs of Immanuel Quickley and Mitchell Robinson.
In the process, Thibodeau accumulated 124 wins — more than (get ready for a long list) Mike Miller, David Fizdale, Jeff Hornacek, Kurt Rambis, Derek Fisher, Mike Woodson, Mike D’Antoni, Isiah Thomas, Larry Brown, Herb Williams, Lenny Wilkens and Don Chaney.
All while maintaining a business first-and-only approach.
“He’s never going to change,” RJ Barrett said. “He’s been the same way since the first day I met him.”
Still, Thibodeau is only halfway to Van Gundy’s 248 victories.
Brunson missed in Dallas
Jalen Brunson’s success in New York is contrasted by the disaster involving the team he left behind in Dallas.
Luka Doncic, when asked Tuesday how much his team misses Brunson, flashed a “pained smile” and said, “A lot,” according to ESPN.
The Mavericks, who are currently out of the play-in tournament, declined to offer Brunson a max extension before last season and lost him to New York in free agency.
Their trade for Kyrie Irving only intensified the disappointment, which could actually hurt the Knicks because they own Dallas’ top-10 protected first-round pick (if the Mavericks finish in their current position, it’s unlikely that pick conveys to the Knicks this year).
Asked if he’s surprised by Dallas’ tumble, Brunson said Tuesday, “I am surprised. I honestly have no comment about that. It’s definitely surprising.”
Doncic, meanwhile, said he will play in Wednesday’s game against the Kings despite an report that the team was considering sitting their star to secure a better draft position.
RJ back in action
Despite his sniffles and clearly still feeling under the weather, Barrett went through practice Tuesday and plans to play in Wednesday’s game in Indiana.
The 22-year-old missed Saturday’s victory over the Wizards because of the illness. The Knicks (46-33) can clinch the fifth seed with a win Wednesday in Indiana and a Nets loss on the same day against the Timberwolves.
The Pacers are out of the playoffs and have been sitting their best players, Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.
“If they’re not in it then they’re playing guys who don’t get as many minutes, those guys are getting an opportunity,” Barrett said. “Those guys are hungry. It’s not a cakewalk. Those guys are trying to prove themselves. … It’s not going to be a gimme game.”
Brunson not resting
Whether or not the Knicks clinch a playoff seed, Brunson doesn’t want to sit any of the remaining three games.
“I love to play. I think being in a rhythm is great. If I’m able to go out there and play, I’ll go out and play,” the point guard said.
Brunson has dealt with late-season injuries to his hand and foot. Because of the play-in format, the Knicks will have at least five days off between the end of the regular season and start of the playoffs.
