Mike Brown is prioritizing Knicks' playoff survival over everything else

Knicks at Lakers | Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThe New York Knicks' front office hired Mike Brown in large part because they were looking for a head coach that would collaborate with them. The coach emphasized his willingness to collaborate with the team's braintrust from day one, telling reporters often that he works in tandem with Leon Rose and other executives on a daily basis.

In recent games, the coach has shown that he's willing to make the kind of short-term sacrifices that Tom Thibodeau may not have until the final week of the regular season. Brown is resting starters, from Jalen Brunson against the Indiana Pacers to Josh Hart in Friday's road game against the Brooklyn Nets.

Brown resting…