Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau fired: NBA’s Carlisle calls decision unbelievable

The New York Knicks stunned fans and the NBA community by firing head coach Tom Thibodeau after five seasons, despite significant recent success. Under Thibodeau, the Knicks won 51 games this season and reached the conference finals for the first time since 2000, marking a major turnaround for a franchise that had missed the playoffs for seven straight years before his arrival.

Thibodeau's leadership brought the Knicks to the playoffs in four of his five seasons and produced back-to-back 50-win campaigns, achievements not seen since the early 1990s. His impact was widely praised by players and fans alike, including star guard Josh Hart and Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson, who publicly supported him even after the team’s postseason exit.

NBA veteran coach Rick Carlisle, also head of the National Basketball Coaches Association, expressed disbelief at the decision, calling it "unbelievable" and initially thinking the news was fake. He emphasized the strong player support for Thibodeau, highlighting the coach's positive influence.

Notable Knicks superfan and actor Ben Stiller thanked Thibodeau on social media for making the Knicks "relevant again," reflecting the coach's role in revitalizing the franchise's profile.

"You look at all that and what happened yesterday, I thought it was a fake AI thing – no way possible. I know how the players feel about him, too," Carlisle said.

"The Knicks won 51 games this season and reached the conference finals for the first time since 2000," underscoring the team’s progress under Thibodeau.

Despite the abrupt end to his tenure, Thibodeau leaves behind a Knicks team that has regained competitiveness and fan enthusiasm, setting a high bar for his successor.

The New York Knicks fired coach Tom Thibodeau after five seasons, despite leading the team to its first conference finals since 2000 and back-to-back 50-win seasons. NBA’s Rick Carlisle called the decision "unbelievable," reflecting widespread surprise and player support for Thibodeau’s tenure.