Part 4/7:
A notable point of contention was Thibodeau's decision to empty the bench late in the first quarter. Bringing in multiple reserves at once — including players like Landry Shamet — is viewed as a reckless move in a playoff scenario. This tactical misstep contributed to a swift change in momentum, resulting in the Knicks playing catch-up for most of the game. Analysts argue that good teams should retain a working core of their starters on the floor, particularly in crucial moments.