Jalen Brunson comes to the defense of Tom Thibodeau when asked about his future: "Are you seriously asking me that?"

Much of the conversation following the New York Knicks' elimination against the Indiana Pacers has revolved around the continuity of Tom Thibodeau as the head coach of the New York team.

Back in April, before the first-round matchup against the modest Pistons, doubts about his future began to arise. However, a disappointing 2024-25 season does not erase the accomplishments achieved nor the feeling of having exceeded expectations. For Captain Jalen Brunson, there is no doubt that his coach is still the right person to lead the group.

“Is that a serious question right now?” Brunson replied after the loss in the sixth game against Indiana. “Are you asking me if I believe he is the right person? Yes.”

Despite the endorsement from their star player, the Knicks did not show discipline in a series where a spot in the NBA Finals was at stake. They turned the ball over 93 times in six games against the Pacers, resulting in an average of 23.3 points allowed from their own mistakes. Indiana appeared tougher, more resilient, and better prepared.

Not all criticisms should fall on Thibodeau, whose job is confined to the sidelines. However, it is hard to find any Knicks supporter who believes their coach outperformed Rick Carlisle in this matchup. From the chalkboard to tactical execution, the Pacers' coach clearly won the head-to-head duel.

Nevertheless, New York made it to the Eastern Conference Finals thanks to their mental toughness and the performances of their key players in crucial moments. Even Carlisle acknowledged the team's transformation since Thibodeau's arrival in 2020, highlighting the competitive character the Knicks have developed in recent years.

“They were an incredible opponent,” Carlisle stated. “Tough, always attacking. After the game, they showed great class in all the interactions I had with them. I mentioned the job that Thibs has done. He has completely changed the culture of that franchise.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jalen Brunson sale en defensa de Tom Thibodeau cuando le preguntan por su futuro: "Me estás preguntando eso en serio?"