ATLANTA — Before Wednesday night’s game against the Hawks, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was asked if he was concerned his players might have had one eye on the upcoming All-Star break.
“You hit on something that we all worry about,” Thibodeau said. “Don't go on the break before the break. That's human nature. So you’ve got to fight that. Be ready. Put the necessary work into it. And then after the game, then go on your break. Don't go on it before. Just come out with an edge and have the discipline to do the things that are necessary to win.”
Mission accomplished. The Knicks, in their final game before the All-Star break, came out flying, leading by as many as 24 in the first half, and cruised to a 122-101 victory at State Farm Arena.
