The Knicks failed in the Eastern Conference Finals, ESPN’s tips: Three moves to solve the dilemma, and then go to the finals next season?

The New York Knicks' playoff journey ended unfortunately in the Eastern Conference Finals, just one step away from the finals stage. Facing the Indiana Pacers, the team not only exposed their shortcomings, but also gained valuable experience. ESPN's in-depth analysis has pointed out three key directions for the Knicks' reinforcement this summer, and its goal is to point directly to a higher stage next season.

1. Starting lineup change: Efficiency stalemate is to be eradicated

A group of alert data: From January 1 this year to the end of the regular season, the Knicks' starting five-man with the highest frequency used in the league had a net efficiency value of minus 9 points, which was at a disadvantage in front of the opponent.

coach Thibodeau also seemed to realize the need for adjustment at the end of the playoffs. Josh Hart once suggested adding center Mitchell Robinson's role when eliminating the Celtics in the first round. The effect of Robinson's starting lineup in the Eastern Conference Final was immediately effective - the Knicks' offensive rebound dominance soared, and Robinson was able to protect the frame and expand his defense to the three-point line with his agile footsteps, sharing tremendous pressure for Towns. This undoubtedly provides a strong argument for the fixed starting adjustment next season.

2. Rotation potential: "Bench Shock" should be used more in the regular season

During the Eastern Conference Finals, a highlight of Thibodeau's on-the-spot adjustment was to decisively use defenders Delan Wright and Landry Shamet to enter the rotation, and the team's defensive intensity increased significantly.

However, a question worth pondering emerges: If these players can come in handy and contribute in a moment of life and death just one step away from the finals, why can't they give them more opportunities in the long regular season to let the core lineup breathe? The core lineup of Brunson, Hart, Bridges, Anunobi and Towns consumes a lot of money. The end-of-season statistics sounded the alarm - excessively extending their playing time may actually reduce the effect. Thibodeau needs to trust the rotation lineup more, reduce the burden on the core, and reserve more available troops for critical moments.

3. Dual-core upgrade: How does Brunson + Downs release its maximum combat power?

Brunson and Towns' first season was a success: both were selected for the All-Season Team, and the Knicks were only two games away from the Finals. It is proposed to optimize this combination at this moment, not to deny the achievement, but to focus on how to break through that ceiling.

The fierce confrontation in the Eastern Conference ruthlessly amplifies the natural challenge of the combination: Brunson, who is limited in height, is prone to foul trouble center Towns, and it is difficult to build a top-level defensive system. How to play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses, maximize the dominance of the two-man offensive end while making up for the structural shortcomings on the defensive end is the ultimate issue that the Knicks must solve when they hit the top of the league.

Lost the finals ticket, although it is a pity, but the Knicks are only one step away from their peak. If we can solve the three key issues of starting efficiency, lineup depth and core compatibility in a targeted manner, and make full use of this summer's adjustment period, the New York Legion's comeback next season and aims at the O'Brien Cup, is no empty talk. Thibodeau's coaching wisdom and the operation of the team's management will face a real test.