Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau dismissed reports of a conversation regarding his team’s minutes load, specifically addressing concerns raised by Mikal Bridges.
Prior to Wednesday night’s game against the Trail Blazers, Thibodeau was asked about a report from Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, in which Bridges reportedly voiced concerns about the heavy workload on the Knicks’ starters. According to Bondy, Bridges said he had discussed reducing the minutes of starters and giving more playing time to the bench. Thibodeau, however, denied any such discussion took place.
“We never had a conversation about it,” Thibodeau said, per The Athletic’s James Edwards III. “The facts are the facts. Jalen Brunson is 20th or 21st in average minutes. [Karl-Anthony Towns] is below that. Your wings play more. They’re matched up against primary players.”
Bridges, currently the NBA’s leader in total minutes, with teammate Josh Hart right behind him in second, had reportedly suggested that the Knicks reduce the workload on their starters. Thibodeau, however, noted that wings are tasked with defending opposing teams’ top players, which often include stars like LeBron James and Jayson Tatum.
Thibodeau, who has long been criticized for relying heavily on his starters, defended his approach. Despite his quick dismissal of the minutes concerns, Bridges and Hart both lead the league in minutes per game at 37.8, while teammate OG Anunoby ranks sixth (36.6). Brunson, who has missed the past two games due to an ankle injury, is 19th in minutes, while Towns sits just outside the top 20.
While the Knicks’ starters continue to log heavy minutes, Thibodeau’s commitment to matchups remains clear: a philosophy that prioritizes defending opposing star players with his primary rotation.
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