Cameron Payne logged 34 minutes in Sunday’s win over the Nets, scoring 21 points (6-of-13 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs), two rebounds, seven assists, one steal, one block and three three-pointers.
The Knicks rested four starters for Sunday’s game, including Jalen Brunson, so Payne was in the starting lineup. As is usually the case for the veteran backup, it was an adventure, but he made big plays on both ends of the court down the stretch to get New York its 51st win. Payne will return to the bench for the playoffs, which the Knicks will begin on Saturday or Sunday when the Pistons visit for Game 1.