Oct 2, 2023; Tarrytown, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau speaks to the media during a media day press conference at the MSG Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

New York Knicks Make Major Change Before Game 3 Against Pacers

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 25, 2025 7:50 PM ET

On Sunday night, the New York Knicks will face off against the Indiana Pacers (on the road) for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

After losing each of their first two games at home, the Knicks have made a major starting lineup change.

Via SNY's Ian Begley: "NYK will start Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns & Mitchell Robinson in Game 3. Robinson is starting for 1st time in playoffs. Josh Hart will come off bench. NYK’s starting 5 was outscored by a combined 29 pts in Games 1 & 2. They are down 2-0 in series"

NYK will start Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns & Mitchell Robinson in Game 3. Robinson is starting for 1st time in playoffs. Josh Hart will come off bench. NYK’s starting 5 was outscored by a combined 29 pts in Games 1 & 2. They are down 2-0 in series
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 25, 2025

Adding Robinson to the lineup gives the Knicks a lot more size.

He is coming off a regular season where he averaged 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 66.1% from the field.

Via StatMuse: "Mitchell Robinson as a starter this season:

9.7 PPG
8.7 RPG
1.0 SPG
1.0 BPG
57.9 FG%"

Mitchell Robinson as a starter this season:

9.7 PPG
8.7 RPG
1.0 SPG
1.0 BPG
57.9 FG% pic.twitter.com/g05gqM3pNC
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 25, 2025

The Knicks most recently lost Game 2 by a score of 114-109.

Via Law Murray of The Athletic: "I wonder how often Knicks will assign Mitchell Robinson to Pascal Siakam rather than Myles Turner.

Siakam is greater interior threat:

-points in paint per game, reg. season/playoffs -> Siakam 10.5/10.3, Turner 5.4/5.7

-restricted area attempts -> Siakam 4.4/4.3, Turner 2.6/2.8"

I wonder how often Knicks will assign Mitchell Robinson to Pascal Siakam rather than Myles Turner.

Siakam is greater interior threat:

-points in paint per game, reg. season/playoffs -> Siakam 10.5/10.3, Turner 5.4/5.7

-restricted area attempts -> Siakam 4.4/4.3, Turner 2.6/2.8
— Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) May 25, 2025

Game 4 of the series will be on Tuesday night (also in New York).

Whoever wins will advance to the 2025 NBA Finals.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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