The Knicks had a 38-25 advantage on the bench, led by Immanuel Quickley’s 17 points and eight assists.
“It’s just the cunning” of him, Thibodeau said. “He has every chance you can imagine.”
Obi Toppin, reigning NCAA Player of the Year and No. 8 in the draft overall, he added 12 points and five rebounds in 17 minutes – his most extensive action since injuring his left calf in the opening. He missed 10 consecutive games before returning on Wednesday.
“He was great in training camp,” Thibodeau said. “To get an injury like him, it’s not an easy thing to deal with, especially for a guy who’s going through the championship for the first time.”