Evan: 'Prince of New York' Tom Thibodeau deserves flowers for game five strategy

Earlier this season, Evan declared that Jalen Brunson was the new king of New York City, taking the label from Aaron Judge as he elevated to superstardom with the Knicks.

Now, Evan is singing the praises of the "Prince of New York City" in Brunson's head coach Tom Thibodeau, especially after Thibodeau's starting lineup tweak paid immediate dividends in Tuesday's crucial game five.

"For all of you, hail to your prince," Evan said. "Because the prince of New York City - he can't be the king, because the king is Jalen Brunson - has been dragged through the mud. 'He plays his guys too many minutes!' He gets all his players hurt!' blah, blah blah.

"He did something last night that changed this game and helped change the balance of this series…I'm patting Tom Thibodeau on the back for doing it. Starting Deuce McBride and moving Precious Achiuwa to the bench made a world of difference."

McBride responded to the promotion by locking down Tyrese Haliburton and helping the Knicks spread the floor, leading to more space for Brunson, who poured in 44 points in the blowout win. It was a masterful adjustment from Thibodeau, who has heard his share of criticism from Knicks fans, and even players around the league, for his demanding workload. But Evan says he should be hearing nothing but praise in New York for his move to bump McBride into the starting five.

"You saw what Tyrese Two Voice [Haliburton] wanted to do all night," Evan said. "Not play basketball at Madison Square Garden."