The New York Knicks beat the Washington Wizards on Friday night to eliminate them from contention in the In-season tournament.
“In season, out of season, any season, I love winning,” Thibodeau said. “That’s all that matters. Get the win. They’re keeping score. Try to win the game.”
Jalen Brunson scored 32 points and Immanuel Quickley added 27 to lift the Knicks to a 120-99 victory over Washington, showing the Knicks fighting spirit.
Washington has dropped all three of its games so far in the in-season tournament.
“I just want to make sure we have one more point than they do,” Thibodeau said.
New York has won five of six overall and sent the Wizards to their fifth straight defeat.
Teams play four games apiece in the preliminary round, with the six group winners and two wild cards moving to the next round.
The Knicks led by 21 in the second quarter but the Wizard reduced the deficit to five before halftime.
“I like how we kind of responded from their run when they cut it to five,” Brunson said. “That team can score the ball. Despite their record, they got a lot of talent over there.”
Brunson’s 3-pointer made it 105-92 with 4:44 to play and they held on to the end.
Washington entered the game ranked No. 1 in the NBA in pace at 104.6 possessions per game.
“They want to slow you down, play physical basketball, especially on the defensive end of the floor,” Washington’s Tyus Jones said.
“They want to play physical, hard-nosed, pack the paint, kind of wear you down throughout the night, throughout the game. That’s what they did.”
Julius Randle scored 22 points for New York. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 19, and Deni Avdija added 18. Randle had eight assists and seven rebounds, and Brunson had seven of each.
