Knicks Fans Left Stunned by Josh Hart’s Deleted Post About Coach Tom Thibodeau Following Narrow Loss to Pacers
The New York Knicks are no strangers to drama, but this time the spotlight isn’t just on the court it’s on social media. Knicks star Josh Hart sent shockwaves through the fanbase late Wednesday night after posting a cryptic and seemingly critical message about head coach Tom Thibodeau following the team’s heartbreaking 135–138 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers. Although the post was swiftly deleted within minutes, it had already been screenshotted and shared widely across social platforms, fueling speculation and debate.
The loss itself was already a bitter pill to swallow for New York fans. Despite a strong performance and a late rally, the Knicks were edged out by the Pacers in what was one of the most intense and emotionally charged games of the season. But the drama didn’t end when the final buzzer sounded.
Hours after the game, Josh Hart took to social media on X (formerly Twitter) with a post that many interpreted as a thinly veiled critique of Coach Thibodeau’s game management.
The message, though brief, referenced “running the same plays every night” and “refusing to adjust,” sparking immediate reactions from both fans and media alike.
The post was deleted in less than ten minutes, but not before fans captured screenshots and began circulating them online. By Thursday morning, “Josh Hart” and “Thibodeau” were both trending on X, with thousands weighing in on the apparent rift between the player and the coach.
The trending screenshot:
Some fans expressed disappointment, suggesting that any internal issues should be handled privately, while others sympathized with Hart, arguing that his frustration reflected deeper issues within the team’s system.
“It’s not what you expect from one of our leaders,” wrote one fan on Reddit. “But if he’s saying what we’re all thinking, maybe it’s time for the front office to listen.”
Neither Hart nor the Knicks have issued an official statement addressing the post. Coach Thibodeau, known for his no-nonsense approach and intense defensive focus, has often been a polarizing figure among fans. While he has guided the Knicks back into playoff contention over the past few seasons, critics have frequently pointed to his rigid rotations and reluctance to adapt mid-game.
Hart, on the other hand, has become a fan favorite for his gritty play, versatility, and leadership on and off the court. His outburst is especially surprising given his usually professional and team-first demeanor. However, insiders suggest that tensions may have been building behind the scenes, particularly as the Knicks have struggled to close out close games in recent weeks.
The timing of the incident couldn’t be worse. With just a handful of regular-season games left and playoff positioning at stake, unity within the team is critical. A public fracture especially between a key player and the head coach could prove to be a major distraction in the most important stretch of the year.
As the Knicks prepare for their next matchup, all eyes will be on both Hart and Thibodeau. Will the two address the incident publicly? Will the coaching staff make noticeable changes to appease growing frustration? Or will the team simply move forward and try to let their play speak louder than any online controversy.
