The Knicks' NBA playoffs run came to an end in a six-game loss to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
New York was two wins away from a long-awaited NBA Finals trip, but Indiana was too much to deal with in the end.
As such, some wondered whether or not the Knicks would move on from head coach Tom Thibodeau, although defeating the Detroit Pistons and reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics makes it harder to justify such a decision.
That rumor caught steam on Monday thanks to a viral tweet on X.
MORE: Why New York's playoff run ended in the Eastern Conference Finals
Did the Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau?
On Monday, a tweet surfaced that the Knicks had decided to fire Thibodeau. However, the tweet came from NBA Centel, a well-known parody account.
The report was attributed to @WindhostESPN instead of @WindhorstESPN, which is the actual account of the ESPN reporter.
NBA Centel's tweet had around 500,000 views after three hours.
BREAKING: The New York Knicks have fired Tom Thibodeau.
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) June 2, 2025
(Via @WindhostESPN) pic.twitter.com/6ZWemx7xPb
It turns out that NBA Centel was a day early, because ESPN's Shams Charania broke the news a day later that the Knicks have indeed fired Thibodeau.
Thibodeau leaves the Knicks after five seasons with a 226-174 record.
BREAKING: The New York Knicks are relieving Tom Thibodeau of his duties as head coach, sources tell ESPN. Thibodeau led the Knicks to their first East Finals in 25 years, made playoffs in 4 of 5 years and led Knicks to consecutive 50+ win seasons for first time since the 1990s. pic.twitter.com/B7w8KhoEcF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 3, 2025
NBA Centel made some waves by posting a photo of Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards without hair in May. That was also a false piece of information.
The Knicks had made no official announcement regarding Thibodeau's firing at the time of NBA Centel's tweet. NBA insiders had also not revealed any information about that.
Moreover, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic mentioned on May 31 that President Leon Rose was backing Thibodeau.
"The coach has the backing of team president Leon Rose, league sources said, as well as full buy-in from Brunson, who signed with the Knicks in 2022 in part because he wanted to play for Thibodeau. But ultimately, owner James Dolan is the final decision-maker."
Knicks star Jalen Brunson publicly backed Thibodeau as the "right guy" after the ECF loss as well.
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