The New York Knicks suffered a 126-101 loss to OKC Thunder on Friday night, marking their fourth loss in the last five games. The recent series of events gives coach Tim Thibodeau a lot to think about before their next game. As things stand the Knicks are third-seeded in the East with a 25-14 record trailing just behind the defending champions the Celtics. Despite that, this rough patch has raised several questions regarding the Knicks’ ability. Some of which were recently raised by reporters.

After Friday’s defeat, Josh Hart was asked if he thinks their roster has what it takes to compete against the league’s best. He replied, “I think we do. We have to go out there with energy. We have to go out there with no egos. We have to go out there with no individual agendas. We have to go out there & sacrifice.”

His answer was quite interesting with mentions of “egos” and “agendas”. It might be indicating a possible rift in the New York locker room. This has led to speculation from media and fans alike that it could be a subtle message for Jalen Brunson as this is the second time in the week Hart has mentioned individual agendas.

The Knicks are still on pace to top their 50-32 record from last season. But, something seems to be brewing at the Big Apple. After their defeat against the Thunder coach Tim Thibodeau took it upon himself to hold accountability for this rough defeat. Moreover, fans and media alike suggested his workload management might be a reason for the Knicks’ poor form. However, the players defended the coach’s back.

Tom Thibodeau’s workload management raises concerns but the Knicks stars think otherwise

Mikal Bridges has logged in more minutes than any other player in the NBA this season with Josh Hart being a close second and OG Anunoby as the third. Even several other players on the Knicks roster are sitting high on this list. This has been a notable philosophy of their head coach Tom Thibodeau. However, his player usage has once again sparked this debate, about whether this is the best strategy for the later stages of the season or not.

Well, his players seem to support their coach. Karl-Anthony Towns said, “I feel like y’all give him flak all the time,” responding to the press. “No matter where he at. But … he keeps getting a job, and it means that everyone keeps respecting and knowing what he can do for the team. And he’s done it in Chicago. He did it with Boston. He did it with us in Minny. And he’s doing it here.” Stating the media gives Thibodeau a tough time for his approach whereas he seems to get the job done wherever he goes.

Josh Hart was also on the same page as KAT, “We have a couple bad games, a couple losses in a row and all y’all cry about minutes, be the minute police and all that,” he said as things go south everyone seems to blame workload. At the moment, the Knicks seem to have a rough patch which they will hopefully figure out before things go out of hand as the season progresses toward the playoffs.