Knicks' backups beat Nets while starters rest in regular-season finale
Precious Achiuwa of the Knicks goes for a layup against Jalen Wilson of the Nets during a game at Barclays Center on Sunday. Credit: Anna Sergeeva
The Knicks’ advance scouts already were weeks into their work on the Detroit Pistons and the upcoming first-round playoff matchup. Four of the Knicks’ starters worked out before the game and then donned street clothes. They were joined six seconds into the game by Mikal Bridges, who suited up only to keep his consecutive-games- played streak intact.
That left the Knicks to run out the clock on a regular-season finale that more closely resembled a summer league game. Perhaps more was at stake in a summer league game, too, but the Knicks played it to win, even if it was a bench contingent in uniform, hanging on for a 113-105 victory over the Nets at Barclays Center.
After a season that ended with a 51-31 mark (a one-game improvement on last season), the Knicks now can turn their full attention to a postseason that will determine whether their offseason makeover was worth the cost.
“We’ve definitely grown,” Bridges said. “We learned a lot about each other and I think we’re in the right spot. We just have to play hard and play our way.”
The Knicks finished third in the Eastern Conference but went 1-3 against the Pistons, who improved from 14 wins last season to 44 this season. Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff played most of his regular rotation (minus Cade Cunningham) on Sunday in a meaningless game in Milwaukee.
“I just said that to our team,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “You win 51 games, you’re the third seed, so you’ve earned the right to be in the playoffs. You’re not in the play-in, so you have a week to prepare and get ready for the next challenge.
“It’s really a new season. The regular season puts you in position, gives you the opportunity. You want to finish with the highest seed possible and then you start all over. Everyone’s record is zero-and-zero.
“You’ve got to earn everything again. We have to understand what goes into it. In terms of preparation, we’re big believers in how we prepare. Now it’s time to get ready and study.”
This game was more of a nuisance than a test, and almost the entire contingent of Knicks players expected to be in the postseason rotation sat it out — the five starters (if you discount the six seconds that Bridges played before intentionally fouling right after the opening tip so he could exit the game) and Mitchell Robinson.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns watched from the bench while Josh Hart and OG Anunoby looked on from the back.
Deuce McBride, who has been working his way back into form after missing eight games with a groin strain, played 30 minutes, scoring 17 points and shooting 6-for-14, including 3-for-9 from beyond the arc. He entered the game shooting just 37.8% overall and 8-for-23 from three-point range in the four games since his return.
Landry Shamet, who not only figures to be part of the playoff rotation but has found his form of late, finished with 29 points, shooting 7-for-13 from beyond the arc.
“Don’t change,” Thibodeau said before the game. “I think prepare to play Brooklyn and that’s where the focus should be. There’s a lot for us to get from a game. Guys will get extended minutes, our bench guys will, and I think that’s important for them.”
Thibodeau did not change. He brought Cam Payne and Shamet back into the game midway through the fourth quarter when the Nets crept back into the game. With 4:04 left and the Knicks’ lead down to two, Precious Achiuwa was reinserted.
For the Knicks, the decision to rest the main rotation pieces came with a counter-argument. Thibodeau talked Friday about rest versus finding the rhythm that the Knicks were missing as they lost three straight games before Sunday.
Now they turn their attention to the Pistons, an inexperienced but physical and hard-working team. Detroit is a team that strives to intimidate through physicality.
“We’re going to bring our best,” McBride said. “That’s all I know. That’s all I’ve got. We’re going to bring our best.”
Tucker breaks a sweat. P.J. Tucker got the start and played 29 minutes. After playing only two minutes before a 27-minute effort Thursday, he knows there are no guarantees about playing in the postseason or if he’ll be back next year in the NBA.
He’ll turn 40 next month. “You never know when it’s going to be the last time,” he said.
“That’s what I tell all these guys. You never know, going from starting, playing 30 minutes a game, to getting traded, not playing. You never know. Every situation is different, every team is different. You just have to take every moment you have and max it out.”
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
