The Knicks’ regular Big 3 was unavailable and a new one filled in exceptionally.
Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and Quentin Grimes became the first Knicks trio to each score at least 30 points in a game since 1979, lifting their team to a 138-129 victory Wednesday over the Pacers.
Grimes dropped a career-high 36 points in the frantically-paced game. Quickley added 39 and Toppin dropped 32.
The Knicks (47-33) won their fifth consecutive game.
With the fifth seed locked up, the Knicks pivoted to the playoffs by resting Jalen Brunson (right hand maintenance) and RJ Barrett (illness). They were joined on the DNP list by Julius Randle, who remains out with a sprained ankle.
The Pacers (34-46) are out of the playoffs and sat their two best players, Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton.
The previous Knicks trio to score at least 30 points in a game was Earl Monroe, Ray Williams and Toby Knight.