Thibodeau on Knicks securing No. 2 seed: 'Competitors compete' / News - Basketnews.com

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau explained that the Knicks played for the No. 2 seed because "Competitors compete."

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

Jalen Brunson carried the New York Knicks to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 40-point performance in their 120-119 overtime win over the Chicago Bulls.

Player of the Game EFF 33 Jalen Brunson Points 40 Accuracy 14-30 Rebounds 8 Assists 7

A loss would have dropped the Knicks to the 3rd spot, but Brunson was determined to lead the Knicks to a higher seed, not worried about which team they'll face next.

"It's a goal to be the best team we can be by the end of the year, and for us now, it's just to move on from that," Brunson said. "It's something to be crossed off and have to get better from here."

Brunson's 40 points tied Patrick Ewing for the second-most 40-point games in a single season in franchise history. He also had 8 rebounds and 7 assists.

Jalen BrunsonCredit Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

The Knicks, who finished the regular season with a 50-32 record, now await the winner of the play-in game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat.

"I think when you have competitors, it doesn't matter. Competitors compete," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau.

"You don't have to wind these guys up, and that's what I love about them."

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