Not even a swollen, stitched-up lip could stop Tim Hardaway Jr. from lighting it up again.
The Knicks’ new go-to scorer, who took an elbow to the mouth from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the first half in drawing a charge, finished with 25 points, eight assists and five rebounds in the club’s 115-96 Garden win Monday night.
With Kristaps Porzingis and Kevin Knox injured, Hardaway has established himself as a No. 1 option and it hasn’t change in any game. He’s averaging 25 points through seven games.
“I’m proud of him,’’ David Fizdale said. “He knows this year is going to be an up-and-down year for us.