a huge mistake to allow him play: Tom thibodeau tell one Knicks star his career is gone and will never play again under him after what he did vs pacers
In a stunning post-game tirade that sent shockwaves through the New York Knicks organization and fanbase alike, head coach Tom Thibodeau unleashed a blistering critique of forward Mikal Bridges following the Knicks’ 125-108 blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night. In what may be the end of Bridges’ tenure with the Knicks at least under Thibodeau the coach declared that allowing him to play was a “huge mistake” and ominously added, “He’ll never play under me again.”
The Knicks were already on shaky ground heading into the game, with injuries piling up and inconsistent bench performances plaguing the team throughout the postseason. However, few expected the situation to deteriorate so dramatically. Bridges, acquired in a high-profile offseason trade and seen as a defensive stalwart and offensive glue piece, was expected to provide the grit and consistency the Knicks sorely needed. But against the Pacers, the opposite happened.
Sources close to the team confirmed that Thibodeau was furious with Bridges not just for his on-court play which included 7 turnovers, multiple missed defensive assignments, and just 8 points on 3-of-12 shooting but also for what was described as a “confrontational attitude” in the locker room and during halftime. Thibodeau, known for his no-nonsense coaching style and emphasis on effort and accountability, reportedly felt that Bridges’ approach to the game betrayed the team’s identity and culture.
“What he did out there tonight was unacceptable,” Thibodeau told reporters bluntly in the post-game press conference. “That wasn’t Knicks basketball. That was selfish, sloppy, and detrimental to everything we’ve built. I take responsibility for letting him play, but that won’t happen again.”
Bridges appeared dejected leaving the court, declining to speak to reporters after the game. His body language during the final minutes of the fourth quarter head down, visibly frustrated only fueled speculation that a rift had developed between the player and the coaching staff.
Team insiders suggest the tension between Thibodeau and Bridges has been simmering for weeks. Although Bridges was initially welcomed with open arms by fans and teammates alike, particularly due to his versatile defense and experience with winning programs, insiders say his role was never clearly defined in the rotation. Recently, he has shown signs of frustration with his minutes and touches, clashing with the coaching staff over his usage on both ends of the floor.
The loss itself was emblematic of the Knicks’ deeper issues: the Pacers dominated in transition, capitalized on 18 New York turnovers, and shot over 50% from the field. Meanwhile, the Knicks’ offense was disjointed and their defense porous two areas where Bridges was supposed to be an anchor.
“He just didn’t show up,” a veteran teammate, speaking said after the game. “And when you don’t show up in the playoffs, the consequences are real. Especially with Coach Thibs.”
It remains unclear how the organization plans to handle the fallout. With the offseason looming, Bridges’ future with the team is now in serious doubt. While Thibodeau’s words carry weight, team president Leon Rose and GM Scott Perry may have their own perspective on the situation and its long-term implications.
For now, though, one thing is certain: Mikal Bridges’ relationship with his coach is fractured perhaps beyond repair.
“This is the playoffs,” Thibodeau concluded. “There’s no room for passengers. And tonight, we had one.”
Whether Bridges gets another chance in New York or anywhere under Thibodeau’s leadership is now the biggest question facing the Knicks as they lick their wounds and prepare for a long offseason.
