Thibodeau helped New York reach its first Eastern Conference finals since 2000, losing in Game 6 to the Indiana Pacers. This is the first time the Knicks have changed head coaches after making the conference/division finals or NBA Finals the previous season, according to ESPN Research.

Some of the most well-known Knicks fans, like actor Ben Stiller, also reacted to the news in real time, as well as some large Knicks-focused accounts on social media. For the most part, Knicks fans were grateful for how Thibodeau helped turn the franchise around.