Tom Thibodeau expressed his frustration after the New York Knicks fell to the Detroit Pistons 100-94, leveling their playoff series at 1-1. The coach highlighted a significant disparity in free-throw attempts, with the Pistons converting 28 of 34 compared to the Knicks' 16 of 19. This imbalance sparked Thibodeau's ire, as he called for more consistency from the referees, particularly regarding fouls on Jalen Brunson.

Cade Cunningham, who had struggled in Game 1, stepped up with an impressive performance, scoring 33 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, showcasing a notable increase in his free-throw attempts. Meanwhile, Brunson led the Knicks with 37 points, but the team's overall free-throw woes and reliance on a limited number of players for them could be a concern as the series progresses.

In a tense Game 2 of their playoff series against the Detroit Pistons, the New York Knicks fell short in a 100-94 loss, marred by a glaring free-throw discrepancy. The Knicks managed to shoot only 19 free throws compared to the Pistons' 34, a point of contention highlighted by coach Tom Thibodeau. He expressed frustration over the officiating, insisting that the lack of consistency in calling fouls affected the game’s outcome.

Thibodeau pointed out that while Pistons star Cade Cunningham got favorable calls, Jalen Brunson, a key player for the Knicks, was not afforded the same treatment. Brunson finished with 11 free throws, but most came late in the game when Detroit had already established control. The Knicks' inability to get to the line early significantly impacted their chances, as emphasized by forward Josh Hart, who implied the free-throw disparity was evident and detrimental.

The NBA offseason has kicked off with significant changes, beginning with the New Orleans Pelicans firing their president of basketball operations, David Griffin. This marks a notable start to what could be a chaotic summer for franchises looking to shake up their leadership. Griffin, who played a key role in building a championship team alongside LeBron James in Cleveland, is now available just as many teams are exploring their own front-office and coaching adjustments.

Notably, the Denver Nuggets made headlines earlier by letting go of both head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth amid a playoff push with superstar Nikola Jokić, while the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings also parted ways with their head coaches. Teams are not waiting for the playoffs to conclude, indicating a shift in urgency and strategy. The New York Knicks are particularly under scrutiny after significant trades and expectations; an early playoff exit could prompt a reevaluation of head coach Tom Thibodeau's future.

The Phoenix Suns have joined the mix, dismissing Mike Budenholzer after a tumultuous season filled with injuries that led to a disappointing record. Budenholzer's offensive acumen keeps him on the radar for teams like the Knicks, who may seek a fresh approach. Meanwhile, the Pelicans' broader issues, notably the health of Zion Williamson, will also need to be addressed by Griffin's successor.

The New York Knicks are peaking at the right time, with Landry Shamet emerging as a key contributor just ahead of the playoffs. In the final game of the regular season, Shamet scored a season-high 29 points in a win over the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing his sharpshooting prowess by hitting seven of thirteen three-point attempts. This performance is part of a recent trend where Shamet is averaging 11.6 points per game since late March, with a remarkable 47.4% shooting from beyond the arc, ranking him among the league's top shooters.

Coach Tom Thibodeau praised Shamet's ability to make smart plays without forcing shots, emphasizing his importance to a Knicks team that has struggled with bench scoring. As the playoffs approach, Thibodeau indicated that he would likely shorten his rotation, with Shamet and fellow veterans expected to play significant roles off the bench. This adjustment aims to maximize the starters' effectiveness while ensuring depth, crucial for the Knicks' postseason aspirations.

Recent developments in the NBA have shaken the coaching landscape, particularly the surprising dismissals of Michael Malone from the Denver Nuggets and Taylor Jenkins from the Memphis Grizzlies just before the playoffs. The Nuggets are in a precarious position, possibly finishing as high as third or as low as eighth in the West, yet they opted for a coaching change at a critical juncture. The timing raises questions about stability in the league, with coaches under pressure as postseason approaches.

Coach Mike Budenholzer of the Phoenix Suns faces scrutiny after a disappointing season despite a star-studded roster including Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Defensive struggles have plagued the Suns, making Budenholzer's job security tenuous as they approach a likely postseason absence.

Doc Rivers, leading the Milwaukee Bucks, has seen the team regress offensively this season. The pressure mounts as the Bucks must navigate a difficult playoff path, and uncertainty looms regarding Rivers' future depending on postseason performance.

Tom Thibodeau's position with the New York Knicks, despite the team's success, is scrutinized due to heavy player minutes and past playoff disappointments. Continued failure in the playoffs could lead to a potential coaching change.

Finally, Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers faces challenges with injuries to key players like Joel Embiid, which may impact his job security despite being in just his second season. With the pressure on, the upcoming offseason may prompt significant changes across teams and coaching staffs.