After playing zero minutes in the first round against the 76ers and barely at all in the final weeks of the regular season, Alec Burks suddenly is finding a vital role with the Knicks.
With several injured regulars unavailable, the veteran guard made a sizable contribution in his third straight appearance for the Knicks with 18 points off the bench in their 121-91 Game 5 win over the Pacers.
“He’s been giving us huge minutes this series,” Josh Hart said. “He’s a true professional, someone who’s staying ready. You see him every day working hard, getting his shots up. That’s what pros do.
“When they’re not in the rotation they continue to get better, continue to stay ready. When his number was called he came out and provided for us when we desperately needed it. He’s a true pro, someone who we’re going to continue to rely on for those minutes.”
Burks fell out of Tom Thibodeau’s rotation late in the regular season after shooting at a 30.7 percent clip in 23 games following a February trade from the Pistons.
The 13-year NBA veteran had converted one field-goal attempt since March 31 until he was pressed into service the past three games against the Pacers.
“I’ve said he’s the ultimate pro,” Thibodeau said. “He’s a combo guard, he can shoot, he can put it on the floor, and he’s got experience and can think on his feet.
“Those are all things that are valuable, particularly in playoff situations. So I’m not surprised. He’s had a terrific career, and I think he’s got a lot left in the tank.”
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The 32-year-old Burks, who also played on the Knicks’ playoff squad in 2021, has averaged 17.0 points on 15-for-28 shooting (53.7 percent) and 9-for-18 from 3-point range, including 18 points in 23 minutes in Game 5.
“It’s just good to get a win, no matter if I was playing or not, I’m just glad we won,” Burks said. “Just stay ready, you never know. Thibs tells me all the time, everybody tells me just stay ready.
“Just stay in shape, stay ready, stay in a rhythm. I’m confident in my ability any time I shoot. … But glad we won, that’s the most exciting thing.”