New York Knicks superfan Ben Stiller offered his reaction to the Knicks firing head coach Tom Thibodeau after the team’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
“I am a Tom Thibodeau fan,” Stiller, 59, posted via X on Tuesday, June 3. “He brought this team back. I felt he gave every bit of himself and was always looking to improve. I will always be grateful for how far he brought the Knicks. They are relevant again. They are championship contenders again. The Knicks became winners again with him.”
Stiller added, “Thank you COACH THIBS.”
The actor was a constant presence at Knicks games during their run to the Eastern Conference Finals this season, which ultimately came to an end in Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, May 31.
The Knicks confirmed the firing of Thibodeau, 67, on Tuesday.
“Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,” team president Leon Rose said in a statement. “This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we’ve decided to move in a different direction. We can’t thank Tom enough for pouring his heart and soul into each and every day of being the New York Knicks head coach.”
The statement continued, “He led us not only with class and professionalism for the past five seasons, but also to tremendous success on the court with four playoff berths and four playoff series victories. Ultimately, we made the decision we feel is best for our organization moving forward. Tom will always be part of our Knicks family and we truly wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
Thibodeau was hired as head coach of the organization in July 2020. Last season, he helped lead the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years and consecutive 50+ win seasons for the first time since the 1990s.
Knicks fans were overwhelmingly unhappy with the decision in the replies to the announcement on social media.
“This is idiotic,” one fan commented. “He literally just led the team the furthest it’s been in 25 years. I don’t get it. For a team that prides itself on being the best, it sure does make a lot of dumb decisions. Hopefully it works out.”
Another fan wrote, “This is an absolute disgrace. It’s HIS FAULT? Are you kidding me? I love these players but I’m not spending another dime on this team.”
