BOSTON – PJ Tucker hasn’t stepped onto the court with the Knicks during this playoff season.
Since his signing in March, he’s had 25 DNPs, playing just three regular-season games before facing the Celtics in Game 5 at TD Garden.
Still, his influence is significant.
Jalen Brunson remarked on Wednesday morning about Tucker’s contributions.
“He’s great. The way he communicates, the way he leads… He has a wealth of experience in the league, so when he speaks, we pay attention. Having him on our team is just incredible. He’s been through it all,” he said.
One of the areas where Tucker has recently helped is in preparing for the second half.
The Knicks nearly turned around the third-quarter issues that challenged them in the first round against the Pistons.
Before Game 5, the Knicks held a 17-point lead in the third quarter, having outscored the Celtics multiple times in that stretch during the series so far.
But they didn’t convert just one point and three points. Previously, against the Pistons, they were outscored 20 points in the third quarter.
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According to Brunson, the players met at halftime to discuss the game before coach Tom Thibodeau came in to address them. Tucker plays a critical role in that interaction.
This led to a noticeable improvement in their third-quarter performance.
“We want to play well throughout the game, but during halftime, we make adjustments and try to correct our mistakes,” Brunson explained. “In the second half, it’s more about intensity, communication, and focus. You must return more energized and adapt to what’s working and what’s not.”
“It’s a moment to catch your breath and revisit how we can approach the game differently,” he added.
Tucker, now 40, is the only player on the roster with a championship title, having won it with the Bucks in the 2020-21 season.
After Game 4, Josh Hart noted, “He brings that championship experience to us. He deserves recognition for it. He’s always speaking up. Being a champion, he carries that mindset.”
