The New York Knicks are peaking at the right time, with Landry Shamet emerging as a key contributor just ahead of the playoffs. In the final game of the regular season, Shamet scored a season-high 29 points in a win over the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing his sharpshooting prowess by hitting seven of thirteen three-point attempts. This performance is part of a recent trend where Shamet is averaging 11.6 points per game since late March, with a remarkable 47.4% shooting from beyond the arc, ranking him among the league's top shooters.

Coach Tom Thibodeau praised Shamet's ability to make smart plays without forcing shots, emphasizing his importance to a Knicks team that has struggled with bench scoring. As the playoffs approach, Thibodeau indicated that he would likely shorten his rotation, with Shamet and fellow veterans expected to play significant roles off the bench. This adjustment aims to maximize the starters' effectiveness while ensuring depth, crucial for the Knicks' postseason aspirations.

The Knicks opted for rest over rhythm as they head into the postseason, a choice underscored by their decision to sit key players like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns during their final regular season game against the Brooklyn Nets. Despite securing the No. 3 seed, the Knicks faced significant challenges, finishing the season with three consecutive losses and struggling to find offensive cohesion. The team’s lack of in-game practice left them untested against the Pistons, who previously exploited New York's weaknesses.

While the starters were rested, the bench shone brightly, with Landry Shamet leading the charge by scoring 29 points. Cam Payne and Precious Achiuwa also contributed effectively, raising questions about head coach Tom Thibodeau's potential playoff rotations. With the stakes now shifting to the playoffs, the Knicks must quickly regain their edge to overcome a formidable Pistons team that has already shown its ability to challenge them.

Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley propelled the Cleveland Cavaliers to a narrow 114-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, marking their third consecutive win. Mitchell scored 26 points, while Mobley contributed 25 points and 12 rebounds. The Cavaliers, holding a 62-15 record, are on the brink of clinching the best record in the Eastern Conference with just five games remaining in the regular season.

Cleveland initially surged ahead by 23 points in the second quarter, but the Spurs fought back, cutting the deficit to just one point in the final seconds. Despite their efforts, San Antonio couldn't convert a late layup from Harrison Barnes that would have secured a stunning comeback. Darius Garland added 19 points for the Cavs, as their well-rounded scoring kept them ahead until the very end.

The New York Knicks showcased resilience in a thrilling 116-107 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, even while missing their top three point guards. The win allowed the Knicks to sweep the season series against Milwaukee, improving their record to 46-27. The Knicks effectively capitalized on the Bucks' 16 turnovers, scoring 26 points off those mistakes and adding another 22 points on fast breaks.

Leading the charge was OG Anunoby with 31 points, marking his continued scoring prowess as he averages 28.4 points across his last five games. Delon Wright, starting in place of Tyler Kolek, provided defensive pressure that stifled the Bucks' offensive rhythm. The Knicks' bench, despite being thin, contributed valuable minutes, particularly Landry Shamet's impressive 13 points that included key second-half shots. As the Knicks look to maintain momentum heading into their next game against the Portland Trail Blazers, their ability to adapt and perform under pressure bodes well for their playoff aspirations.