Knicks Notes: Jordan Clarkson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby

There was a time when Jordan Clarkson looked like he might be an afterthought for the New York Knicks.

Out of the rotation. Deadline came and went. No complaints.

“Never,” Clarkson said when asked if he considered a move, via James L. Edwards of The Athletic. “I only care about winning.”

That part matters now.

Because Clarkson is back in the mix and producing. The turning point? A 27-point night in Utah back in March. Since then, he’s been exactly what the Knicks need. Energy. Buckets. Edge.

Bench mob

Game 3 wasn’t about stars. It was about depth.

Clarkson, Landry Shamet, Mitchell Robinson and Jose Alvarado combined for 28 points and 14 rebounds. That’s winning playoff basketball.

“That’s why you give different guys opportunities,” coach Mike Brown said. “Your number can be called at any time.”

Message received. Shamet, especially, answered — 15 points, 26 minutes, closing lineup.

“You just stay ready,” he said. “We have one more.”

Bridges setting tone

While the bench is lifting, Mikal Bridges is locking things down.

Tyrese Maxey hasn’t looked like himself this series — under 19 a night, struggling from deep, turnovers piling up.

“That’s a tough task,” Josh Hart said. “He’s doing an amazing job.”

Injury watch

OG Anunoby remains questionable with the hamstring. Miles McBride filled in, but the rotation is clearly shifting based on availability.

Which brings it back to the theme. Stay ready. The Knicks are one win away.

And suddenly, everybody is contributing.