Knicks Coach Explains Game-Changing Decision vs Pistons in Game 5

Why didn't the Knicks use a timeout for Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart in Game 5 against the Pistons?

Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau looks on in the first half against the Detroit Pistons during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Down the stretch of the Game 5 matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, the home team experienced two critical losses within the same timeframe.

New York forward Josh Hart and the All-Star guard Jalen Brunson came out of the game in crunch time as they were both dealing with injuries. At the time, the Pistons had a slight lead.

The Knicks didn’t plan to keep Hart and Brunson on the side for long. The two veterans were back up quickly and ready to check in. The clock was running, and the Knicks opted against calling a quick timeout to get them back in the game as soon as they were ready.

The decision to keep the game moving without Brunson and Hart on the floor raised a lot of eyebrows. After the game, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau spoke on the situation.

via @FredKatz: Tom Thibodeau said he didn't call a timeout to get Brunson and Hart back into the game earlier because of "where we were with timeouts. Coach's decision."

Tom Thibodeau said he didn't call a timeout to get Brunson and Hart back into the game earlier because of "where we were with timeouts. Coach's decision."

— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) April 30, 2025

It won’t go down as a popular decision, as Hart and Brunson are critical pieces on New York’s roster. Also, the latter player was recently named the league’s most clutch player. The Knicks certainly could’ve used the clutch gene on Tuesday as they looked to close out the series.

At the end of the day, it just wasn’t the Knicks’ night. Before the controversial decision, Brunson shot 4-16 from the field and scored 16 points. Hart had an efficient outing for himself, scoring 15 points on 7-13 shooting from the field.

The Pistons managed to hold on and take the Knicks down 106-103. Detroit moves the series score to 3-2, bringing the series back to Detroit for Game 6. The matchup will take place on Thursday night.