With the Knicks trailing the Pistons by eight at the end of the third quarter, the home team needed a spark in Saturday’s series opener. Enter Payne, who hit two three-pointers and shot 4-of-5 from the field in the fourth. His production was part of a 21-0 Knicks run that swung the game’s momentum, compensating for fellow reserve Miles McBride’s (one rebound, four assists, and one steal) failure to score in his 15 minutes on the court. Payne can be erratic, but days like Saturday serve as a reminder of the value he can bring to the table. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night.

The Knicks rested four starters for Sunday’s game, including Jalen Brunson, so Payne was in the starting lineup. As is usually the case for the veteran backup, it was an adventure, but he made big plays on both ends of the court down the stretch to get New York its 51st win. Payne will return to the bench for the playoffs, which the Knicks will begin on Saturday or Sunday when the Pistons visit for Game 1.

Payne is dealing with a minor ankle tweak but appears set to play on Sunday. He likely won’t need to start with Jalen Brunson ready for a return, so he and Miles McBride should be prepared to serve smaller roles than they have lately.

Payne will be back after a four-game absence, but he won’t return to the starting unit. He’ll play the backup point guard minutes behind Delon Wright, which will likely push rookie Tyler Kolek out of the rotation. With Jalen Brunson set to return on Sunday, Wright will only have one more game of streaming appeal.