Team Of Destiny: We Got Tom Thibodeau Laughing Hysterically And Cracking Jokes About How The Pope Will Help The Knicks

This right here is how I know things are different. This right here has team of destiny written all over it. Tom Thibodeau doesn't laugh, he for sure doesn't crack jokes during the playoffs. He knows that we got a higher power working for us and him right now. The fact he knows that Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart can be forgiven for their sins? That trio better get ready to play 48 minutes each and defend. None of this wait until the 4th quarter shit anymore. 

It is jarring to see Thibs crack jokes here. This is the time where he'll typically be short, complain a little bit despite being up 2-0 in the series and coming back to the real Garden. But, nope, this is a different version of Thibs. I mean, at least off the court. He's still going to have Brunson run ISO late and lose his shit when his guys get tired defensively. But he feels something different here, he just has to. That's why we'll let Brunson say the serious stuff: 

Wait, nope, not that one. Although that is true and very serious. This mentality: 

It's been 26 years since our last Finals appearance, this is what we need. Win two more. That's it. Focus on one then get the next and let's move on. Thibs is laughing, time to feel good.