Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau Responds to Mikal Bridges’ Minutes Request
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau offered a surprising response to Mikal Bridges’ reported concerns about his playing time.
Thibodeau was asked about Bridges’ comments regarding minutes before the Knicks’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. According to a report from Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Bridges had mentioned discussing his heavy workload with Thibodeau, specifically regarding the minutes of the starters. However, Thibodeau denied that such a conversation took place.
Thibs on Bridges’ comments to us about minutes earlier this morning: “We never had a conversation about it. The facts are the facts. Jalen is 20th or 21st in average minutes. KAT is below that. Your wings play more. They’re matched up against primary players.”
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) March 13, 2025
“We never had a conversation about it,” Thibodeau said, according to James Edwards III of The Athletic. “The facts are the facts. Jalen is 20th or 21st in average minutes. [Karl-Anthony Towns] is below that. Your wings play more. They’re matched up against primary players.”
Bondy had reported that Bridges, known for his durability, suggested reducing the minutes of the starters and giving the bench more opportunities. Bridges entered Wednesday’s game leading the NBA in total minutes, with teammate Josh Hart right behind him in second.
Edwards added that Thibodeau explained that wings need to match up with the other team’s top players, typically wings themselves. He argued that defending elite players like LeBron James and Jayson Tatum with reserves wouldn’t be effective.
Thibodeau has often faced criticism for over-relying on his starters throughout his career. Despite his quick defense of the minutes distribution, Bridges and Hart both lead the league in minutes per game at 37.8, while teammate OG Anunoby is sixth with 36.6. Jalen Brunson ranks 19th, and Towns is just outside the top 20, but Brunson remains 10th in total minutes, despite missing the last two games with an ankle injury.
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