
Knicks. Bulls. MSG. No Michael Jordan but don’t miss it!
The Knicks are back and so will soon be both OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson, according to the one and only Tom Thibodeau.
Life’s about balance, however, so karma hit New York in the mouth with Josh Hart popping up on the injury report with an OUT designation for tonight’s matchup against the Bulls at MSG. Sheesh.
Here’s what Coach Thibs and a few Knickerbockers had to say coming off the break and ahead of Thursday’s game.
Tom Thibodeau was asked if he got to use the All-Star break as a refresh pic.twitter.com/hH4oRRcWWh
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 19, 2025
Tom Thibodeau
On Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby going through a full practice on Wednesday:
“Mitch was good, OG was good. So it was good to be back out there. [They] did everything.”
On Robinson’s potential return for Thursday’s game:
“I haven’t heard from medical yet, so we’ll see. But he looks good. He’s gotta get his timing (back), but overall, he moved pretty well… But it will take some time.”
On how Robinson’s return will affect the Knicks’ rotation:
“You have to anticipate that the game’s gonna be different so we’ll see where he is once he’s out there. He’ll need a little bit of time. But the things that he can bring, the hustle, the ability to see things early, play pick and roll, rim-protect, offensive rebound; those are things he’ll bring right off the bat.”
On adjusting to player availability throughout the season and finding positives on it:
“Whatever your circumstances are, you deal with them as best you can. We had guys out, so it was an opportunity for the new guys to get time together. So we tried to take advantage of it that way. Now that you have more depth, you take advantage of it the other way. You need everyone over the course of the season, so just get in there and get the job done.”
On OG Anunoby’s recovery:
“Yeah, I think the break was good for him. We’ll see how he responds tomorrow after practice today.”
On how and where he spent his All-Star break:
“It was perfect: Club Tarrytown. 72 [degrees] and sunny every day.”
“Thank the Lord, man”
Jalen Brunson says it was a “breath of fresh air” to be away from Josh Hart during the All-Star break pic.twitter.com/THJQltgF1y
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 19, 2025
Jalen Brunson
On the team’s chemistry and playoff push:
“It means a lot. Obviously after the break you want everyone to be ready to go. I’m excited to get down this stretch. I love this team a lot. I love everyone that’s a part of it and this organization. We all have one goal in mind and I’m really thankful.”
On Mitchell Robinson’s impact:
“Do you think he’s a difference-maker? Then, I think he’s a difference-maker.”
On Thibodeau spending his break at the Knicks’ training facility:
“I hope he knows he can be in the lab from home as well. This man has a very beautiful home office. Go stay there. And whatever I’ve told you guys, I’ve told him to his face.”
Karl-Anthony Towns was asked about Tom Thibodeau spending All Star Break in “Club Tarrytown”
“24/7 all-inclusive” pic.twitter.com/FRVcaoOjCy
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 19, 2025
Karl-Anthony Towns
On Robinson’s return and its impact on the team:
“We’ve done a great job of sustaining what we need to do and being where we need to be right now at this point in the season. The next-man-up mentality of the guys in the locker room has been great.
“To be able to get people — Mitch and everyone — back, it gives us a chance to hone in on our team as a whole.”
On the possibility of playing alongside Robinson:
“I remember being in Minnesota with three bigs.
“It’s great to have [Robinson] back and to have the firepower we have. It gives us versatility. It allows us to play against teams that have a two-big lineup, or teams that go small. We can adjust however we need to.”
On Tom Thibodeau’s evolution as a coach:
“Hell no (Thibs wasn’t so locked into coaching a few years ago). Time has treated us all differently.
“For Thibs, I feel like he’s at a point where he’s just having fun. He’s really having fun with this. I know that from being a player and a friend of his. Just enjoying the process of being a coach.”
On Thibodeau’s hard-working mindset handling the Knicks:
“I think it’s a testament to growth for him and time. And a testament to players in this locker room and the coaching staff he has around him that allow him to appreciate the little things even more — and life more.”
Knicks are listing Mitchell Robinson (foot) as out and OG Anunoby (foot) as questionable for tomorrow vs CHI. Josh Hart (knee) is listed as out.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 19, 2025