MIAMI — Tom Thibodeau has insisted he doesn’t have a set ending lineup.
The Knicks coach proved it Friday evening when he went with RJ Barrett, slightly than Immanuel Quickley, as one in every of his closers within the Knicks’ dramatic 122-120 win over the Warmth.
“Simply the way in which it was going. I assumed RJ had given us some [good] minutes,” Thibodeau stated. “I needed to get a distinct sort of participant to assault the rim when the ball got here out [to the perimeter].
“Each guys are terrific and each guys performed effectively. Every evening will probably be somebody totally different.”
Barrett scored 17 factors on 8-for-15 capturing, although he missed all 4 of his 3-point makes an attempt. Quickley scored 21 factors and was 5-for-9 from deep.
Thibodeau has been going with Quickley over Barrett in crunch time of late. He did insert Quickley again into the sport for the ultimate minute.
Jalen Brunson turned his proper ankle late within the third quarter and had it taped up earlier than returning early within the fourth. He didn’t present any in poor health results and performed the ultimate 10:53. He completed with 25 factors and eight assists in 35 minutes.
“He’s going to provide you every little thing he has. You understand that he’s tough-minded,” Thibodeau stated. “He’s going to make performs. He bought nicked up, he retains going, he by no means stops.”
One of many largest challenges dealing with the Knicks, who’ve gained eight straight video games and 13 of 17, is stopping overconfidence from setting in.
“I believe the large factor is to verify everyone seems to be concentrating on what we now have to do. Go step-by-step, don’t take any shortcuts,” Thibodeau stated. “Keep humble and be hungry. Issues can change in a short time on this league. You’ll be able to go from good to dangerous actual quick and from dangerous to good actual quick.”
Mitchell Robinson, who went 1-for-1 from the sector, has made 18 consecutive photographs.
He’s one behind Johnny Newman’s franchise file of 19, which was set from Jan. 1-8, 1988.
The Warmth had been with out level guard Kyle Lowry (knee).
