In the second leg of a back-to-back set and with some tired players, the Knicks needed more than the usual 48 regulation minutes to deal with the worst team in the Eastern Conference.

However, thanks to captain Brunson, New York handed the Washington Wizards another loss, defeating the Wiz Kiz in DC 136-132, with the game going into overtime.

Here’s what coach Thibs and a few Knicks said before and after the first of back-to-back games against the Capitals.

Tom Thibodeau

On the Knicks’ comeback against the Wizards:

“We didn’t have much to offer, so we give them a lot of credit. I thought they played a great game.

“We were down 8 and 10 and then fought like crazy to give ourselves a chance to win and just find other ways to win when things weren’t going our way.

And Jalen definitely – the shooting technique was incredible, the style of play. I thought Karl gave us really good minutes and Mikal was great. Josh, his hustle. And in the fourth quarter we did what we had to do to get it done.”

On Brunson’s adaptability:

“Jalen’s shooting technique was incredible, the style of play… That’s the beauty of his game, that he can provide everything the game needs. “If we need more goals, he can provide that. If we need more playmaking, someone else has it, they’re going to find that guy.”

About the many skilled players around Brunson:

“I think the team plays like that – a pretty balanced attack. You have four guys who are all capable of big scoring nights and then you can bring in Deuce (McBride) with what he gives you off the bench. And then Cam (Payne) and Landry (Shamet) are also the creators.”

On the importance of the following routines during the regular season:

“That’s why every single day is so important. In this league it is easy to get distracted due to the amount of games and the different circumstances, be it an early start, a late start, a back-to-back game, Christmas Day…

“That’s why it’s so important to have a routine and be able to concentrate on everything you try to do every day, not to get bored and not to skip things.

“When you start taking shortcuts, it shows in your performance.”

Jalen Brunson

On the use of the Wizards and the reaction of the Knicks:

“They played hard no matter who was there for them and they were ready to play.

“We were a step back by the fourth round and found a way to win.”

On overcoming free throw difficulties and going 16 of 17 on Saturday:

“It’s great knowing I haven’t made many free throws this year. I was terrible.

“I made them when we needed them.”

On scoring 55 points that led the Knicks to an OT victory:

“It just happened. This is how the game went.

“I looked at the scoreboard and it said something over 50. So that’s it.”

On the challenge of not falling into the wizard’s trap:

“We were a step slow all night. You have to give them credit. In the fourth quarter we improved the game a bit and found a way to put the game in our favor.

“It was overtime, but it still cost a lot tonight.”

That the Knicks have many players who can lead the team every day:

“Yeah, I mean, it could be anyone on any given night. It’s just a credit to the guys who work hard on this team and the confidence and feelings we have for each other.”

Josh Hart

On Brunson’s 55-point performance:

“Yeah, I mean, we needed it. That was a difficult question for us. Back to back. I felt a little old today. So many of us felt the same way.

“We were a little slow, but he scored big. That’s why he’s the captain. Find a way to win.”

Karl Anthony cities

On the Knicks’ ability to continue winning despite his foul trouble:

“(My bad problem) is what it is. The best part is that we win. That’s the only thing that matters at the end of the day.”

Landry Shamet

On the initial pain of his shoulder injury:

“It just hurts. After the incident, there wasn’t a part that didn’t hurt for probably about five days.

“I couldn’t use my right arm for six weeks.”

When he realized the severity of his injury:

“Yes, (the shoulder) was out. This has never happened to me before, so I think that was part of it too. Even if it hadn’t turned out that way, I think it still would have been pretty concerning just to have that type of injury.

“I’ll be 28 in March. I’ve been playing this game for a long time and the first time I have an injury like this, you’re just like, ‘What?’ What’s happening?’

“You try to move your arm. You can’t move your arm. Your hand is numb. You feel like you’ve been shot.”

On the difficulty of the rehabilitation process:

“There are periods in the first week where it’s just very acute and I can’t even lift my arm to wash under my arms or brush my teeth.

“There are times when you think ‘God.’ And that’s what I’m talking about with the mental part. Not only are you dealing with an injury, a rehab that you’ve never had to deal with before, but now you’re no longer on your team and kind of out of rhythm. So this part could be challenging.

“And there were certainly days when it was pretty bleak. For example on Groundhog Day. Like, “Ahh, we’re still here.” It still hurts.’ But then there were days when there were big jumps and you were like, ‘Okay.’ So both feelings were prevalent.”

On his shot after his first and only three-point attempt as a Knick in Friday’s game:

“It still works.”