Even if Baker should have been used earlier, thats 2 games in a row that Hornacek benched a starter for Baker. He's not afraid to bench Noah, Rose, and Melo, Phil's big ticket players.
Its forward thinking because Jeff is showing that the rooks are doing a better job at times of buying in, performing, than some of his high priced vets. Rose is going to be an FA, Jeff is showing Phil that he should consider a plan B.
Some coaches would have left the rooks glued to the bench most of the season. It might get ugly at times, but Hornacek is doing the Knicks long term prospects a favor by showing who really deserves PT when it matters. Going into the offseason, this is important. It gives Phil a more complete picture of the situation, than over relying on the vets.
