The New York Knicks’ recent struggles took an emotional turn Saturday night as head coach Tom Thibodeau and forward Josh Hart engaged in a heated sideline exchange during a 97-94 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Thibs & Josh Hart go at it during time out
"Thibs loves Josh Hart"
– Mike Breen
"That is 100 percent normal"
– Richard Jefferson pic.twitter.com/XUBiKTCIS3
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 16, 2025
With the team missing Jalen Brunson and sliding down the standings, frustration boiled over as Thibodeau and Hart were seen shouting at each other during a timeout in the fourth quarter. Hart, who endured a rough night with zero points on 0-for-7 shooting in 39 minutes, appeared visibly frustrated as he exchanged words with his coach, prompting Thibodeau to fire back with his trademark intensity.
The altercation, which played out on national television, was quickly diffused by assistant coaches and teammates, with Landry Shamet stepping in to break the tension. After the game, Thibodeau downplayed the incident, emphasizing his close relationship with Hart and the competitive nature of the team.
“I love Josh, you guys know that. Just whatever can get us going, just try to get us going.”
Fred Katz: "There was a clip…you & Josh kinda exchanging words––"
Thibs: "Aw, yeah, I love Josh, you guys know that. Just whatever can get us going, just try to get us going"
Katz: "Just a passionate moment"
Thibs (slight grin): "Yeah that's it" pic.twitter.com/npVTcbW1BO
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 16, 2025
While such exchanges are common in high-stakes environments, it underscored the mounting pressure on the Knicks, who have now lost four of their last six games and rank among the NBA’s worst offensive teams since the All-Star break.
Hart’s struggles were just one part of a larger issue plaguing the Knicks. Mikal Bridges, another key player, recently confronted Thibodeau over excessive minutes for the starters, a long-standing criticism of the head coach. With the offense sputtering and injuries piling up, frustrations have only grown, and Saturday’s loss added to the team’s woes.
Despite a strong effort from Karl-Anthony Towns, who led the Knicks with 29 points, and OG Anunoby’s 23-point contribution, New York couldn’t overcome a dominant performance from Stephen Curry, who finished with 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. The loss dropped the Knicks to 42-24, still third in the Eastern Conference but now facing increasing pressure as the playoff race intensifies.
For Hart, the confrontation with Thibodeau was likely fueled by his offensive struggles, but it also symbolized the team’s growing frustration amid their recent slump. While the Knicks have been one of the league’s grittiest defensive teams, their lack of scoring firepower without Brunson has become a glaring weakness.
With a softer schedule ahead—including matchups against the Heat, Spurs, Hornets, Wizards, and Blazers—there is hope that New York can regain some momentum before the playoffs. However, for Thibodeau, managing minutes and keeping his roster fresh will be key to ensuring that the team doesn’t burn out before the postseason.
Despite the tension, both Thibodeau and Hart are fierce competitors, and their passionate exchange is unlikely to linger beyond Saturday’s loss. If anything, it could serve as a rallying moment for a Knicks team that desperately needs a spark.
With Brunson still sidelined for the next few weeks, the Knicks will have to find answers fast, and Hart—despite his struggles—will be crucial to that effort. Whether this moment becomes a turning point or another sign of deeper issues remains to be seen, but for now, New York must regroup and refocus before their playoff push slips away.
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