Elfrid Payton appeared in just four games this season under since-fired coach David Fizdale, missing what he described as “a month and some days” — including all of November — with a tricky hamstring injury.
The veteran point guard finally is healthy again, however, and his unselfish and efficient play off the Knicks’ bench quickly has earned the trust of interim coach Mike Miller.
Payton has averaged 9.3 points, 6.7 assists and just one turnover per game during the Knicks’ 3-3 stretch heading into Friday’s visit to Miami. In his past two appearances, including Tuesday’s blowout win over Atlanta, he has dished out 20 assists without turning over the ball once.