SAN FRANCISCO — Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau’s worst teaching trait is leaving in his key gamers far too late in routs. And on the flip aspect, Thibodeau additionally retains his primary guys late in blowouts to attempt to pull off a miracle.
There was no miracle Tuesday within the Mile Excessive Metropolis — only a Mile Excessive Mess.
Capping their 132-115 blowout loss to the Nuggets, Thibodeau’s resolution to reinsert RJ Barrett with 3:50 left down 16, and hold him in till the ultimate minute has backfired.
Barrett sprained his left ankle with 18 seconds left and the membership nonetheless down 16. Barrett is predicted to overlook Thursday’s recreation with the Warriors — and maybe a couple of extra. Barrett missed 9 video games with an ankle sprain his rookie 12 months of 2019-20.
Barrett has been their best participant within the new 12 months, averaging 22.3 factors since Jan. 1 and supplanting Julius Randle as prime canine. Barrett is averaging 18 factors for the season.
Recognized for his sturdiness, Barrett didn’t miss a single recreation final season and solely sat out this 12 months for COVID-19 protocols. Final season, he led the NBA in minutes performed.
Barrett hobbled off the courtroom Tuesday, obtained remedy late within the evening in Denver and didn’t speak to the press. In the meantime, Randle caught up for Thibodeau, although he by no means stated the coach made the correct name. Randle stated Thibodeau is “our chief’’ and “I’m only a soldier for him.’’
“I’ll let ya’ll debate that,’’ Randle stated. “The one factor that issues is what’s in our locker room and what we expect as gamers. Like I stated, I obtained Thibs’ again one hundred pc. I belief him. And no matter he asks me to do, I’m going to do.’’
Randle had left the competition with 51 seconds remaining — avoiding harm.
Quentin Grimes (knee), Mitchell Robinson (again) and Nerlens Noel (knee) — all of whom missed the Denver rout, are questionable for Thursday’s recreation.
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