Oilers' Depth Players Must Drill Down In Game 4

Playoff fact: You almost always win Stanley Cups on the strength of the play of your star players.

Also playoff fact: You also win Stanley Cups when your depth players are difference-makers as well.

The Florida Panthers choked off the head of the snake so well in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final that the Edmonton Oilers' duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl was limited to two shot attempts. That might be difficult for the Panthers to repeat, but with home-ice advantage and the last change, they'll have the opportunity to get the players they want out on the ice against the Oilers' stars.

Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart aren't exactly lighting the world on fire themselves, but the likes Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, Anton Lundell and Nate Schmidt have been lights-out.

It's time for the likes of Evander Kane, Connor Brown, Viktor Arvidsson and John Klingberg to do the same.

Evander Kane and Tomas Nosek (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)

Watch today's video column for more, and share your thoughts.

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Sound meter hit ridiculously high level when Sam Bennett scored during Game 3 of Stanley Cup Final

The volume was turned up inside Amerant Bank Arena for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.

A total of 19,863 fans packed inside the Sunrise hockey barn to see their Florida Panthers battle the Edmonton Oilers in what was a tied series entering the contest.

It didn't take long for Florida to get their fans going, as Brad Marchand scored a goal 56 seconds into the game that had the building rocking.

That turned out to only be the beginning.

Hard Rock Bet had someone inside the building with a sound meter, checking to see how loud the crowd would get at different points of the game.

For the most part, the loudest moments saw the decibel levels somewhere between 100 and 110

At different points, the meter was running while Panthers fans were chanting Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner's name, while Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo was banging the pregame drum and during an intermission performance from worldwide entertainment star D.J. Khaled.

But the loudest the building got all night, according to the meter, was after Sam Bennett scored a breakaway goal during the second period.

According to the sound meter, the decibel level reached a whopping 130.9 dB.

The goal put the Panthers up 4-1 at the time. They would go on to win 6-1 and take a two games to one lead in the best-of-seven series.

Perhaps it was the buildup to the goal that helped the crowd get so loud.

Bennett had almost half the ice to skate down before scoring the goal, and in those couple of seconds, you could both hear and feel the crowd building to a potential crescendo.

It was an incredibly cool moment to be part of in a night that was full of them.

NHL (@NHL) on XNHL (@NHL) on XMAKE A HIT ✅ POT A BEAUTY ✅ Sam Bennett is an absolute force to be reckoned with. #StanleyCup 🇺🇸: @NHL_On_TNT & @SportsonMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T 🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF

Florida beat down the Oilers in Game 3, and Edmonton's players seemed perfectly happy to engage and instigate much of the physical hostilities that came during the latter stages of the night.

How much of that bleeds over into Game 4 remains to be seen.

Regardless, it should be another loud night at the Cats' home barn.

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Photo caption: Jun 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (9) scores against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)

Mets Notes: Frankie Montas to make fifth rehab start Friday, Sean Manaea slated to pitch Sunday

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared injury updates on a pair of veteran starting pitchers before Wednesday's game against the Nationals at Citi Field. Here's what he said...


Frankie Montas

The Mets aren't ready to add the veteran right-hander (lat strain) to their active roster just yet. He's scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, in what'll be the fifth start of his rehab assignment.

It may not be Montas' final rehab appearance, either -- Mendoza said they could utilize the entire 30-day rehab window to build up his workload even further.

Montas' overall results in the minors haven't exactly been uplifting. While he's reached higher pitch counts and avoided setbacks, he owns a glaring 9.00 ERA across 12 total innings between Syracuse and High-A Brooklyn. In his most recent outing last Thursday, he allowed three runs on four hits and three walks with two strikeouts over 3.2 innings.

Mendoza said pitching coach Jeremy Hefner has discussed mechanics with Montas, but the team isn't bothered by the pitching lines he's produced. He's in the midst of shaking off plenty of rust.

"This is kind of like spring training for him, and hitters now are in midseason form, you know?" Mendoza said. "It's hard to put too much into it, where you're not gameplanning and just going out there. I think we've got to do a better job of that, preparing him and giving him a little bit of an idea. But as far as the results and all that, we're not too concerned right now."

Sean Manaea

While it's still unclear where the veteran left-hander (oblique) will make his next rehab start, Mendoza said the plan is for him to pitch again on Sunday.

Manaea spent Tuesday night with High-A Brooklyn, striking out four with one hit, one walk, and one hit-by-pitch allowed across 2.2 scoreless frames (46 pitches, 31 strikes). Call his second rehab outing progress, considering he gave up four runs (three earned) in 1.2 innings last Friday.

The Mets' rotation has performed exceptionally well without Manaea this season, but the team is eagerly awaiting his return. In 32 starts for New York in 2024, the 33-year-old southpaw posted a 3.47 ERA with 184 punchouts across 181.2 innings.

DeMarcus Cousins suspended for season, contract terminated after brawl with fans

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Former NBA All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins was suspended for the rest of the season in Puerto Rico’s basketball league and his team terminated his contract after a brawl with fans during a game earlier this week.

The 34-year-old Cousins, who played for seven teams during his NBA career, made an obscene gesture, exchanged words and grabbed the arm of a fan sitting courtside Monday night before being taken away by his teammates.

Cousins received a second technical foul for his actions and was ejected. In the tunnel heading to the locker room, he argued with another fan while people in the stands threw liquids toward him.

Cousins received a $4,250 fine and could face an additional one of $5,750, the Baloncesto Superior Nacional league announced late Tuesday.

“As an organization, we strongly condemn any form of violence or provocation, whether on or off the field. Safety, respect, and sportsmanship are non-negotiable values for this franchise,” the Mets said in a news release.

It was Cousins’ second season playing in Puerto Rico. He was averaging 18.2 points per game with nine rebounds for a team that has a 9-18 record. In his previous stint with the Mets in the 2023 season, Cousins helped the team reach the semifinals.

In the NBA, Cousins averaged 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds over 11 seasons. The four-time All-Star’s best season came with Sacramento in 2016-17, when he averaged 27.8 points.

After the NBA, besides his stop in Puerto Rico, Cousins also played in the Taiwan and Mongolia basketball leagues.

Miami Marlins join efforts to restore defaced Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso mural

MLB: New York Mets at Miami Marlins

Aug 17, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; A Miami Marlins logo neon light is silhouetted against the sky prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the New York Mets at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Jasen Vinlove/Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

MIAMI — The Miami Marlins are joining efforts to restore the defaced mural of baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood, which was marked with racist graffiti last week.

City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King announced Wednesday that she along with the Marlins, Urgent, Inc., Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency and other community activists will lead the restoration at Dorsey Park, where community leaders said a 7-year-old boy first discovered the vandalism last Sunday and asked his mother what the words and the Nazi symbols meant.

“This vile assault was an attack on our values, history, and community,” King said in a statement. “We are actively working with law enforcement and the public to identify the individual(s) responsible for this intolerable act. However, even in the darkest hours, light finds its way to shine. This is a reminder and testament to the strength of our community, coming together to restore peace, beauty, and pride to this neighborhood.”

Police were investigating the incident but have not made any arrests. City workers have since partially covered the murals of Robinson and Miñoso, an Afro-Cuban player, with wooden boards. The murals are along a fence at Dorsey Park, where Negro League teams once played baseball.

The Marlins’ home ballpark loanDepot park is just a few miles from the park.

“In light of the deeply troubling acts of vandalism at Dorsey Park, the Miami Marlins today proudly stand in solidarity with the City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King, and our local leaders in unequivocally condemning this hateful and racist act,” said Marlins owner Bruce Sherman. “Dorsey Park is not only a landmark of historical and cultural significance in South Florida — it is a powerful symbol of resilience, pride, and the enduring contributions of trailblazers to the game of baseball.”

Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 to become the first Black player. Miñoso became the league’s first Afro-Latino player and the first Black player for the Chicago White Sox.

The murals have been displayed in the park since 2011 and are a collaboration between artists Kyle Holbrook and Kadir Nelson and various community groups.

Scal: ‘No way in hell' C's trade Derrick White this offseason

Scal: ‘No way in hell' C's trade Derrick White this offseason originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics will have to make some difficult decisions this offseason. Will trading Derrick White be one of them?

White has massive trade value entering a summer in which the C’s will look to shed salary and get under the second apron of the luxury tax. It would hurt to part ways with the beloved All-Defensive guard, but Boston could get a haul for him if it opts to undergo a full offseason reboot.

However, if you ask Celtics analyst Brian Scalabrine, C’s fans need not worry about a potential White trade. When Celtics insider Chris Forsberg pointed out that White was one of the team’s most valuable trade assets, Scalabrine emphatically shut down the discussion.

“You don’t have to ask that question. You know the answer,” Scalabrine said on NBC Sports Boston’s “Off C’season special. “Come on, Chris. I mean, we could pretend or anything like that. We’ve got other things to talk about.

“There’s no way in hell Derrick White is not on this team next year, the next five years. We just know. Come on.”

While there’s no guarantee White will be with the Celtics next season, Scalabrine’s strong statement illustrates just how shocking it would be to see him traded.

White has blossomed into an outstanding two-way player since the Celtics pried him from the San Antonio Spurs in 2022. He was a key contributor throughout Boston’s 2024 championship run, and last season he notched career-highs in points (16.4) and rebounds per game (4.5) while breaking the franchise’s single-season record for 3-pointers made.

Earlier in the episode, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor mentioned that teams have already made offers for White and 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. Boston would prefer not to trade either player, but it is at least listening to offers for anyone not named Jayson Tatum.

The Golden State Warriors have already reportedly expressed interest in trading for White, who has a $28.1 million salary for next season. Boston must shed roughly $20 million in salary to get under the second apron.

Watch the full “Off C’season” special with Scal, Forsberg, O’Connor, and Celtics broadcaster Drew Carter below or on YouTube:

Pacers beat Thunder in Game 3, take Finals lead with Bennedict Mathurin shining

Pacers beat Thunder in Game 3, take Finals lead with Bennedict Mathurin shining originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Bennedict Mathurin could become a cult hero.

The Indiana Pacers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 at home in Game 3 Wednesday to take a 2-1 NBA Finals lead.

Mathurin, the No. 6 overall pick by Indiana in 2022, erupted for a game-high 27 points off the bench. He shot a scorching 9 of 12 from the field to go with 7 of 8 free throws. He added four rebounds, one assist and a block in just 22 minutes. He averaged 16.1 points on 45.8% shooting in the regular season.

Sometimes you need your non-stars to step up and swing a game in a playoff setting, and Indiana just got one from its own draft pick.

Indiana started both halves extremely slow, but blew out Oklahoma City in each of the second and fourth quarters to seize the advantage.

Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana’s starters with 22 points on 9 of 17 shooting to go with 11 assists and nine rebounds, one away from a triple double. He also logged two steals and a block. Pascal Siakam posted 21 points on 8 of 14 shooting, with T.J. McConnell’s 10 points off the bench rounding out the double-digit scorers.

Oklahoma City got better production out of their starters, but lacked enough bench scoring. Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 24 points on 9 of 18 shooting, while league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 24 points on 9 of 20 shooting, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

Chet Holmgren had a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double, but went 0-for-6 from deep that stunted OKC’s perimeter statistics. Alex Caruso played 32 minutes off the bench, adding eight points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Isaiah Joe played just four minutes and made both of his 3-point attempts.

The Thunder are now in a precarious situation down 2-1 in enemy territory. Should Indiana capitalize at home, Oklahoma City would be down 3-1, a deficit only 13 teams in league history have turned around.

Only one of those 3-1 deficits were turned around in the NBA Finals, which involved LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers beating Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

Game 4 is set for Friday in Indiana at 8:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. PT.

Ranking Prospects Blackhawks Should Draft 3rd Overall Following Combine

The NHL Scouting Combine is over, yet there is still no consensus on how the top 10 of the 2025 NHL Draft should go. However, based on what has been reported, it is fair to assume that certain teams may be headed down a specific path. 

Are the New York Islanders going to trade down from one? Will the Chicago Blackhawks move their pick up or down? What are the San Jose Sharks doing? All of these questions will be answered on June 27th, 2025. 

The Blackhawks are almost certainly drafting a forward. The only defenseman going in the top six is Matthew Schaefer, who likely won’t even be there when Chicago comes up to pick. The assumption is that Michael Misa will also be unavailable at that time. 

That leaves four forwards for Chicago to realistically consider unless something unexpected happens in the top two. Most could play center, but some may be better wingers in the long term. The Blackhawks need both. 

This is how they stack up against each other after the combine: 

1. James Hagens

At the start of the 2024-25 season, it felt like James Hagens was a lock to be the number one overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Now, unless someone stuns, he likely won’t go higher than third and could even slip to the lower half of the bottom ten.

Hagens dominated with the USNTDP before this year. At Boston College, he had a good year, but more was expected from him. He wasn't Macklin Celebrini who won the Hobey Baker as a freshman a year prior, so he started to slip.

The problem is that college hockey is becoming a harder league than the CHL. If Hagens wanted to have 150 points playing there, he could have. That also would have likely locked him into being the first overall pick. Instead, he took Will Smith’s spot at BC and played well between Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault on the top line. 

Hagens was also a top player on Team USA’s World Juniors team that went on to win the Gold Medal. No matter what, he's been noticeable. 

This is a smaller player, which doesn’t help his case to be selected higher. However, there are plenty of young, smaller offensive stars in the league like Jack Hughes, Cole Caufield, and Logan Cooley. Although the Blackhawks already have some smaller forwards like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, passing on Hagens may fill them (and a lot of other teams) with regret one day. 

2. Porter Martone

If Kyle Davidson sees a lot of these guys having the same ceiling, then the tie breaker could work in Porter Martone’s favor if the way he plays is something Chicago’s brass likes. 

Martone is a big, physical power forward who will create time and space for himself and others in the NHL. Specifically, it is easy to picture Martone on a line with Connor Bedard, a smaller center. 

Connor Bedard needs to shoot the puck more, and a player like Martone will help give him more room to do that. He can also score himself, which also makes him a good match for Bedard, who is an underrated playmaker. 

Matthew Tkachuk is a comparison at the highest level for Martone. If he became that type of bruiser who could also have 80+ points consistently, that would be just what the Hawks need. 

If Davidson is confident in his stance that Bedard and Nazar are true centers, Martone could be a home run draft pick. 

3. Caleb Desnoyers

Caleb Desnoyers is the truest center in the 2025 NHL Draft. Think of guys like Sasha Barkov, Nico Hischier, or Anthony Cirelli. To predict that he will be as good as those guys is unfair, but he plays the same two-way style of game as they do. 

Chicago is lacking centers like that in the organization. Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar will make their money in the offensive zone, so having a guy like Desnoyers around would go a long way, assuming he reaches his potential in the NHL. 

His offensive ceiling might not be as high as a guy like Hagens or Martone, but his play in all three zones makes him worth considering with this draft pick. 

4. Anton Frondell

Anton Frondell is similar to Caleb Desnoyers. He plays a strong two-way game that may allow him to become a good second-line center in the NHL. You know that you’re going to get an honest effort from him on every shift.

Frondell has a notable one-time shot and can shoot the puck with a little extra juice. Being Swedish gets him compared to other European stars from around the NHL, largely due to his production overseas this last season. 

Like every other player in this class, there is a bit of risk associated with taking Frondell. However, he has the skills (and proven production in big-time leagues) to become a star in the National Hockey League. At minimum, he should be able to carve out a role on a good team. 

These guys could go in any order, and one of them could even be selected in the top two. Anything is possible, but this is the way they should be ranked going in based on what we know following the scouting combine. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

Dobbins addresses report he made false claims about dad's past with Yankees

Dobbins addresses report he made false claims about dad's past with Yankees originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Hunter Dobbins found a bizarre way to insert himself into the storied Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees rivalry.

Before his Sunday start in the Bronx, Dobbins told the Boston Herald he would retire before playing for the Yankees. The rookie right-hander backed up his trash talk by leading the Red Sox to an 11-7 victory.

Where the story took an odd turn, however, is when Dobbins told the Herald that his father, Lance, was drafted by the Yankees twice and later traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He also claimed his dad and Yankees great Andy Pettitte were “really good friends.”

A New York Post report seemingly debunked Dobbins’ claims about his father, stating that Lance Dobbins does not appear as a Yankees draft pick for any season on Baseball Reference and that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has no recollection of the Yankees ever drafting him. Pettitte told The Post’s Joel Sherman that he doesn’t remember a Lance Dobbins.

That report has since made many headlines across Major League Baseball, and it left Dobbins addressing his alleged false claims before Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

“The whole back story, it was stuff that I had heard growing up and seen pictures of, from my dad,” Dobbins said. “At the end of the day, it’s just from my dad and what I kind of grew my love for the game. At the end of the day, I don’t go fact-check my dad or anything like that.”

Has Dobbins spoken to his father about the issue?

“A little bit, not really,” Dobbins answered. “My whole focus is on Saturday, getting ready to face the Yankees. This is my first time in the big leagues facing a team a second time, let alone back-to-back. So that’s where my focus is, 100 percent. I imagine we’ll talk in the future or something like that. It’s been a bigger deal than it really needed to be.”

It’s a bizarre story all around, but it shouldn’t affect the 25-year-old when he takes the mound on Saturday. The heckles should be minimal as he’ll take on the first-place Yankees at Fenway Park.

Dobbins has a 4.20 ERA and 1.28 WHIP through his first 10 MLB appearances.

Betts, Merrill believe Giants fans are ‘mean people' of MLB

Betts, Merrill believe Giants fans are ‘mean people' of MLB originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Giants fans are some of the meanest in MLB?

That’s what San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill had to say when he joined the “On Base with Mookie Betts” podcast this week.

“San Fran got some mean people out there.” Merrill told the Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar.

“That could be because of the rivalry,” Betts responded while agreeing with Merrill. “San Fran have mean people out there.”

Betts also went on to compare the Padres-Giants disdain with that of the Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees rivalry, which the 32-year-old was a part of for his first six seasons before being traded to the Dodgers in 2020.

Merrill, who’s on his way to becoming a superstar in his own right with the Padres, is batting .304 this season and has helped carry the team to a 38-29 record which currently places them third in the rugged NL West.

“People say Wrigley and Yankees Stadium is bad,” Merrill added. “Bro, San Fran is like, San Fran is worse.”

Merrill has a career .281 average against the Giants, but batted a scalding .455 last season at Oracle Park. This season in four games, however, he’s posted just a .167 batting average in San Francisco.

Maybe the heat from Giants fans is affecting the 22-year-old.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

Former Sharks Head Coach Lands New Gig

Yesterday, former San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner landed a new job in the NHL as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders, joining Ray Bennett, who was also hired by the team. Boughner will work under Islanders head coach Patrick Roy as they look to turn the franchise around.

During his time with the Sharks, Boughner posted a record of 67-85-23. He was originally named interim coach after Pete DeBoer was fired and went on to spend three seasons as head coach from 2020 to 2022 before being let go.

He previously served as an assistant coach with the Sharks from 2015 to 2017, before leaving to become the head coach of the Florida Panthers. After being fired from that role, he returned to San Jose.

For the past three seasons, Boughner was the associate coach with the Detroit Red Wings, working under both Derek LaLonde and Todd McLellan.

He’ll have his work cut out for him with the Islanders. After a disappointing season that ended early, the team landed the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and now has a chance to reshape its future. Boughner will be a key part of that process on Roy’s coaching staff as they look to get the Islanders back into the playoffs.

Sharks Should Avoid Buying Out Marc-Édouard Vlasic This SummerSharks Should Avoid Buying Out Marc-Édouard Vlasic This SummerThe San Jose Sharks have a lot of questions that need answering this summer. Will they try and move up in the draft? What’s the plan for their players on expiring contracts? Will they look to land a big fish in free agency? There are plenty of unknowns—but one question that shouldn’t even come up is whether the Sharks should buy out Marc-Édouard Vlasic. Macklin Celebrini Finishes Third In Calder Voting, Lane Hutson Wins AwardMacklin Celebrini Finishes Third In Calder Voting, Lane Hutson Wins AwardSan Jose Sharks' forward Macklin Celebrini was a finalist for the Calder Trophy this past season, and while he had a strong campaign and made a push to win the honour of being named rookie of the year, he finished third place in voting behind Calgary Flames' Dustin Wolf, and Montreal Canadiens' Lane Hutson. Sharks Could Be Eyeing Michael Misa With Second Overall PickSharks Could Be Eyeing Michael Misa With Second Overall PickNow that the 2025 NHL Draft Combine is officially in the books, this is the time of year when rumors start to filter through—and one of the latest involves the San Jose Sharks. Former Sharks Coach Relieved Of His Duties By The Dallas StarsFormer Sharks Coach Relieved Of His Duties By The Dallas StarsFormer San Jose Sharks head coach Pete DeBoer was relieved of his duties on Friday, as the Dallas Stars officially announced his firing. The move comes just days after the Stars were eliminated from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. How One Free Agent Miss In 2018 Led To A Blockbuster Trade For The SharksHow One Free Agent Miss In 2018 Led To A Blockbuster Trade For The SharksWith NHL Free Agency less than a month away and one of the headliners being John Tavares, it's a good time to look back seven years to when the San Jose Sharks came close to landing the biggest fish of the 2018 free agent class.

Knicks in no rush, casting wide net in head coaching search

A few notes on the Knicks as they continue their coaching search...

It’s obvious to say at this point, but the Knicks clearly didn’t have a shoo-in replacement in mind when they fired Tom Thibodeau.

They’ve been denied permission by at least five teams to speak with their current head coaches (ATL, CHI, MIN, HOU, DAL).

These requests for permission get leaked out because of the formal nature of the process. It gives off the impression that Leon Rose & Co. are flying blind on this coaching search. But league sources familiar with the Knicks' thinking push back against that narrative. When the Knicks request permission to speak to Jason Kidd, Chris Finch, Ime Udoka and others, they are doing their due diligence. Making sure they know exactly who is – and isn’t – available to them.

This approach makes sense, given the circumstances.

There is no head coach in waiting for New York. So the Knicks need to know as much about the landscape as they continue their search.

New York’s search will include NBA head coaches who are currently unemployed and current assistant coaches.

WHAT ABOUT JOHNNIE?

As noted last week, the timing of the Thibodeau firing was not tied in any way to the Suns' decision on Johnnie Bryant, a former Knicks associate head coach. Bryant was a finalist for the Suns' job, though they ended up hiring former Cleveland assistant Jordan Ott. I don’t believe that Bryant – at the moment – is at the top of the Knicks’ list of candidates – if such a list exists. This is not a reflection of Bryant, but more so the idea that the Knicks prefer a coach with experience.

CLASSY MESSAGE FROM THIBODEAU

Thibodeau took out a full-page ad in the New York Times to thank his coaches, players and fans for their effort and support during his Knicks tenure.

“To the fans, thank you for believing in me and embracing me from day one. Watching you support our team, and seeing the Garden ignite with that incomparable Knicks energy, is something I will never forget,” Thibodeau wrote.

Thibodeau did not mention the Knicks' front office or owner James Dolan in the statement. Maybe the omission was intentional, maybe it wasn’t. Only Thibodeau knows the truth there.

For what it’s worth, people in touch with Thibodeau in the aftermath of the firing described him as surprised by the move and disappointed by the decision. (Attempts to reach Thibodeau for comment were unsuccessful). Those reactions are understandable when you lead a team to its best season in 25 years. Whoever the Knicks hire next, that coach will be judged against Thibodeau’s success. Not an easy bar to reach.

Under Thibodeau, the Knicks won 50-plus games in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1993-94 and 1994-95. They made the playoffs in four of Thibodeau’s five seasons. They also won at least one playoff series in three consecutive seasons. From 2000-01 to 2019-20, the Knicks had won just one playoff series in total. It bears repeating: if the Knicks and their next head coach win the title, Thibodeau should be among the group of players/coaches/execs who never have to pay for a meal in New York again.

The why behind the Thibodeau firing has been covered here and elsewhere. We may never know the specific reasons for the firing. But we know that player input played a role in the final decision. I don’t know what players referenced when they talked to Rose, Dolan and whoever else was in the room about Thibodeau’s shortcomings.

I do know a couple of things that players were surprised about over the course of Thibodeau’s tenure:

The Knicks didn’t have full scrimmages during an entire training camp one season, which is uncommon. The players found it odd that they didn’t scrimmage during the camp; Thibodeau’s Knicks didn’t scrimmage often in season, which is more common in the NBA. But the lack of scrimmaging hindered the players’ ability to develop cohesion, they’ve said.

Players were also surprised that they didn’t work on specific end-game situations during the season, which is something that most teams do. They found it strange that the coaching staff didn’t go over those situations during practice.

Are these reasons to fire Thibodeau? Probably not. But the players involved questioned the approach. Again, I don’t know if these critiques were raised during the meetings with Dolan, Rose and whoever else was in the room.

WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT STAFF?

I assume the next Knicks coach will have the freedom to bring in his own staff. The coach will presumably be able to choose whether to keep current Knicks assistants or let them go. There has been plenty of speculation about assistant Rick Brunson’s past/current/future role with the Knicks. (I think the idea that Rick Brunson has some massive influence over what happens with the Knicks is overblown.)

As noted above, I think it’s fair to assume the next coach will be able to decide independently whether they want to keep Brunson, Mo Cheeks, Mark Bryant, Darren Ermann and others on the staff.

Just my opinion, but I think if that coach is smart, he keeps Rick Brunson on his bench because firing Rick Brunson would probably anger Jalen. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The Knicks have to figure out who that next head coach is first. I don’t think they are in a rush to make a hire and I’d expect them to spend some more days gauging the landscape/figuring out their options.