After being banned from the playoffs for seven consecutive years, Dolan’s Knicks improved to 29-27 and moved up to sixth in the Eastern Conference after Miami’s defeat in Denver.
Although Knicks’ starting center Nerlens Noel was a late scratch with a sprained ankle, their other free agent signer, Alec Burks, continued to be the clutch. Burks caught fire for the Knicks in the fourth quarter, scoring the first nine points. He finished with 21 points, punching 4 of 7 from 3 points. The Knicks shot 17 for 33 from 3 points.
“The thing I like about us is that the 3 we’re getting are high percentage games,” Thibodeau said. “The guys play for each other and do great rim reads. It’s basketball to rhythm. ”