The New York Knicks concluded their preseason Friday night, despite still not playing a game with all five projected starters on the floor at the same time.

The Knicks defeated the Charlotte Hornets 113-108 in the final tune-up before the regular season begins for both teams next week. However, the Knicks won the game with mostly bench players and reserves. The announced crown of 19,270 at Madison Square Garden were treated to a game featuring Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.

Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points and seven rebounds. He also chimed in with six assists. Bridges scored 16 points while adding seven rebounds and four assists.

Mitchell Robinson missed the game Friday due to rest, while Karl-Anthony Towns (quad), OG Anunoby (ankle), and Josh Hart (back) all missed the game nursing nagging injuries. The injured players are considered day to day, according to coach Mike Brown.

They should be ready to go when the Knicks open their season Wednesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Garden.

“Mitch is out, load management, and then the other three guys we’re just being a little cautious with,” Brown told reporters in his pregame press conference.

Brown is not concerned that he did not have a game where the five starters played together. He believes the veterans picked up enough of his new system in practices and in meetings to put together a solid effort when the games finally count for something.  

Brown said he is looking at the long-term, not the short haul.

“I would love to have everyone together, especially trying to play the way we’re playing with it being new to everybody, but it is what it is and we’ve still gotta go and win games,” Brown said. “Whether we had everyone or we didn’t [it’s important] for us to understand, ‘Hey this thing is going to be a marathon. It’s not a sprint.’ It’s not being at our peak on opening night. You’re always hoping and wishing you are, but they’re fighting their tail off. They’re learning quickly. They’re actually a little ahead of where I thought we’d be at this point.”

New York has to cut six players by 5 p.m. on Saturday. They need to get down to 14 players. It is still presumed the last roster spot will go to either Landry Shamet or Garrison Mathews. 

“The door’s always open for a guy to gain an opportunity,” Brown said. “But the whole time, myself and [team president] Leon [Rose] and his group, we’ve been having discussions. Our minds change, just like everyone else’s minds change from time to time. But we’ll get through tonight and then take a little bit more time and then make the decision.”