The New York Knicks used depth in the final game of the season.
The regular season was over, and after 81 games, Tom Thibodeau decided to rest the New York Knicks starter at the final 82nd.
One exception was Mikal Bridges, who played a total of six seconds before taking off, continuing to live out his perfect NBA.
The Knicks’ backup was enough to beat the Brooklyn Nets 113-105.
Former Phoenix Suns star Cameron Payne was one of the New York Knicks players, and was extended against the Nets.
Payne scored 21 points in 34 minutes, with 21 points on two rebounds and seven assists.
The 30-year-old signed the Knicks as a free agent last summer, playing 71 games, but started only four times.
Payne, who previously reached the final with the Suns, can add a useful experience for the Knicks in the postseason.
Speaking about the MSG Network, Alan Hearn said he was impressed with Payne’s enthusiasm ever since shaking the Knicks’ first preseason game this summer.
He explained: “What I like about the campaign is that Mike Breen spoke a lot, and that’s his enthusiasm for the game.”
“I remember watching him in Charlotte, and seeing him dancing before the preseason warm-up.
“That’s how much he likes to play, and you can only imagine how much enthusiasm will rise when veterans like him, especially guys like him who went to the finals, when it reaches playoff time.”
Hahn continued to praise Payne for his role in the Knicks and how it was worth it.
He added:
“Come Payne is someone who doesn’t like playing against you, who do you love on your team?”
The Knicks’ victory was their 51st victory of the season, overcame 50 wins a year ago. It’s the first time the Knicks have logged in back to their 50-winning season since 1995.
Nevertheless, there is a reservation on the ability to accomplish that in the postseason after failing to win a single game against the Cavaliers and Celtics in the regular season.
The Knicks line up to play the sixth seed Detroit Pistons in the first playoff round, with Josh Hart recently putting a gauntlet on his opponent.