Sat May 17 01:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article version:

**Summary:**

Despite minimal playing time since joining the New York Knicks, veteran P.J. Tucker is having a significant positive impact on the team, particularly in their improved third-quarter performance. Players like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart credit Tucker’s leadership, championship experience, and in-game communication for helping the team make crucial adjustments at halftime and come out stronger in the second half. He acts as a player coach that relays his experience and insight to others, even without actively participating on the court.
**News Article:**

**Knicks’ Secret Weapon? P.J. Tucker’s Veteran Presence Fuels Third-Quarter Surge**

BOSTON – P.J. Tucker may not be logging minutes on the court for the New York Knicks in the playoffs, but his impact on the team is undeniable, according to key players. The veteran forward, who signed with the Knicks in March, has been a vocal leader and a source of championship experience that has dramatically improved the team’s crucial third-quarter performance.

Despite appearing in only three regular-season games and remaining on the bench throughout the postseason, Tucker’s influence is felt in the locker room and on the sidelines.

“He’s been great,” point guard Jalen Brunson said. “The way he talks, the way he leads… when he talks, we listen. Having a guy like that on our team has been remarkable.”

The Knicks struggled with third-quarter collapses earlier in the season, but they have turned a corner during their current series against the Boston Celtics. Entering Game 5, the Knicks have been dominating with a 17 point advantage in the third quarter. Players say Tucker’s presence is a major factor in this improvement.

Josh Hart echoed Brunson’s sentiments after Game 4. “Shout-out to P.J. Tucker for making sure we’re up and talking,” Hart said. “He brought that championship pedigree to us… He’s a champion and he’s bringing that mentality.”

Brunson explained that the players use halftime to analyze their performance and make adjustments before Coach Tom Thibodeau addresses the team, and Tucker is an integral part of that player-led discussion. His championship experience with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 lends weight to his insights.

With or without playing time, it’s clear that P.J. Tucker is proving to be a valuable asset for the Knicks as they continue their playoff journey, proving that leadership and experience can be just as impactful as on-court performance.

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