The No. 3 New York Knicks faced a stunning setback in Game 5 of their playoff series against the No. 6 Detroit Pistons, losing 106-103 at Madison Square Garden. With the Knicks on the verge of closing out the series, the game saw dramatic twists, including injuries to key players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart during crucial moments. Coach Tom Thibodeau opted not to call a timeout in the final stretch, a decision that proved pivotal as the Knicks struggled to regain control.

Despite leading by 16 points early, the Knicks fell behind in the fourth quarter, unable to score in the closing minutes. Brunson, who earned the title of Clutch Player of the Year, was sidelined when it mattered most. The Pistons capitalized on this, trimming the Knicks' series lead to 3-2. With Game 6 looming, the Knicks must regroup and address their late-game execution to avoid a nerve-wracking Game 7.

Tom Thibodeau expressed his frustration after the New York Knicks fell to the Detroit Pistons 100-94, leveling their playoff series at 1-1. The coach highlighted a significant disparity in free-throw attempts, with the Pistons converting 28 of 34 compared to the Knicks' 16 of 19. This imbalance sparked Thibodeau's ire, as he called for more consistency from the referees, particularly regarding fouls on Jalen Brunson.

Cade Cunningham, who had struggled in Game 1, stepped up with an impressive performance, scoring 33 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, showcasing a notable increase in his free-throw attempts. Meanwhile, Brunson led the Knicks with 37 points, but the team's overall free-throw woes and reliance on a limited number of players for them could be a concern as the series progresses.

In a tense Game 2 of their playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, the New York Knicks fell short in a 100-94 loss, marred by a glaring free-throw discrepancy. The Knicks managed to shoot only 19 free throws compared to the Pistons' 34, a point of contention highlighted by coach Tom Thibodeau. He expressed frustration over the officiating, insisting that the lack of consistency in calling fouls affected the game’s outcome.

Thibodeau pointed out that while Pistons star Cade Cunningham got favorable calls, Jalen Brunson, a key player for the Knicks, was not afforded the same treatment. Brunson finished with 11 free throws, but most came late in the game when Detroit had already established control. The Knicks' inability to get to the line early significantly impacted their chances, as emphasized by forward Josh Hart, who implied the free-throw disparity was evident and detrimental.

The NBA offseason has kicked off with significant changes, beginning with the New Orleans Pelicans firing their president of basketball operations, David Griffin. This marks a notable start to what could be a chaotic summer for franchises looking to shake up their leadership. Griffin, who played a key role in building a championship team alongside LeBron James in Cleveland, is now available just as many teams are exploring their own front-office and coaching adjustments.

Notably, the Denver Nuggets made headlines earlier by letting go of both head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth amid a playoff push with superstar Nikola Jokić, while the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings also parted ways with their head coaches. Teams are not waiting for the playoffs to conclude, indicating a shift in urgency and strategy. The New York Knicks are particularly under scrutiny after significant trades and expectations; an early playoff exit could prompt a reevaluation of head coach Tom Thibodeau's future.

The Phoenix Suns have joined the mix, dismissing Mike Budenholzer after a tumultuous season filled with injuries that led to a disappointing record. Budenholzer's offensive acumen keeps him on the radar for teams like the Knicks, who may seek a fresh approach. Meanwhile, the Pelicans' broader issues, notably the health of Zion Williamson, will also need to be addressed by Griffin's successor.

The New York Knicks are peaking at the right time, with Landry Shamet emerging as a key contributor just ahead of the playoffs. In the final game of the regular season, Shamet scored a season-high 29 points in a win over the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing his sharpshooting prowess by hitting seven of thirteen three-point attempts. This performance is part of a recent trend where Shamet is averaging 11.6 points per game since late March, with a remarkable 47.4% shooting from beyond the arc, ranking him among the league's top shooters.

Coach Tom Thibodeau praised Shamet's ability to make smart plays without forcing shots, emphasizing his importance to a Knicks team that has struggled with bench scoring. As the playoffs approach, Thibodeau indicated that he would likely shorten his rotation, with Shamet and fellow veterans expected to play significant roles off the bench. This adjustment aims to maximize the starters' effectiveness while ensuring depth, crucial for the Knicks' postseason aspirations.