The point guard rotation of Cam Payne and Tyler Kolek will probably get another opportunity.
Miles McBride, who sat Saturday’s victory over the Wizards with a groin contusion, is likely missing Tuesday’s contest against the Mavericks as well, an NBA source said.
With Jalen Brunson also recovering from an ankle sprain, Tom Thibodeau started Payne, who scored 13 points in 30 minutes, and gave backup minutes to Kolek, who dished out a team-high eight assists Saturday.
It was also a season-high 18 minutes for Kolek and his first meaningful playing time in months, as the second-round rookie flashed the type of vision and playmaking skills that has the fan base thirsty for more.
“It was good to see,” Thibodeau said. “He’s done a good job for us.”
Added Payne, “He was ready for his opportunity. That’s what it’s about in his league.”
McBride has been dealing with a groin contusion since Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs. He still played Thursday in Charlotte, but was scratched Saturday after being listed as questionable.
KnicksFanTv first reported that McBride would sit multiple games with the groin contusion, although a league source cautioned that things can still change with two off days before the Mavericks contest.
Brunson, meanwhile, is out at least another week with his badly sprained ankle. Per an update from the Knicks on Saturday, the All-Star started “controlled court work.” Thibodeau said Thursday that Brunson removed his walking boot and is shooting.
Kolek, 23, was a star at Marquette and shined in the Summer League for the Knicks, but couldn’t crack the guard rotation as a rookie behind Brunson, Mikal Bridges, McBride and Payne. Earlier this month, Kolek told The Post he viewed this season as a fruitful learning experience.
And on Saturday, he had an opportunity to show that growth during a game.
“(I’ve learned) a lot,” Kolek said before a March 11 victory over the Kings. “Coach always says, ‘Learning the NBA game, it’s really different from college.’ Offensively, defensively. The schemes that go into it – the game plans that go into it. So just trying to learn from these guys and be able to take that and learn from it.
“The space on the floor (is different). The speed of the game. College, I feel like there’s a lot less spacing in the land obviously. But at the end of the day, it’s just basketball.”
Kolek’s strengths were always his vision and facilitating, which helped him lead the NCAA in assists as a senior. The big concern in the NBA was Kolek’s defense as a slower and smaller guard.
The Marquette man said defense was more about finding the mental edge.
“I think both sides (of the ball) are equal,” Kolek said. “I feel like every part of my game still needs to keep improving,” Defensive stuff is more just kind using your angles, using your IQ on the defensive end to cover up whatever you may lack.”
For Payne, the start Saturday was his first since New Year’s Day. His highlight was a momentum-shifting 3-pointer with about nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter that gave the Knicks a seven-point lead.
“He’s not afraid,” Thibodeau said. “Cam is going to let it fly.”
The next opponent Tuesday, the Mavericks, are much more depleted than the Knicks, having lost Kyrie Irving for the season and still awaiting the returns of Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively III and Caleb Martin.
