Mikal Bridges and Tom Thibodeau at Odds Over Knicks' Heavy Minutes Strategy

Bridges expressed concerns about player fatigue and advocated for reduced starter minutes, while Thibodeau denied any such discussions occurred.

Mikal Bridges, the NBA's leader in total minutes this season, voiced concerns about the physical toll of heavy playing time and suggested more opportunities for Knicks bench players.
Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks' head coach, denied having any conversation with Bridges about reducing starter minutes and defended his minutes distribution strategy.
Thibodeau emphasized that wings like Bridges and OG Anunoby play more minutes due to their roles as primary defenders against top scorers in the league.
Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' star point guard, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, raising questions about the potential impact of heavy minutes on player health.
The Knicks, despite being the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, face criticism for their declining defensive performance and potential postseason durability concerns.