There was a saying from a former Knick, coincidentally the current surging Timberwolf, Julius Randle, who declared last season after beating the lowly Wizards, “Don’t play with your food.” 

Randle’s premise was easy to understand. New York needed to handle the business it was expected to. Devour what’s on the plate before it spoils. 

Those words are applicable to Friday’s game, but with obvious differences in scale. The opponent isn’t the Wizards. It’s the defending champs. It isn’t a regular-season matchup in January. It’s Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, a potential clincher. 

In other words, this isn’t about finishing off a mac & cheese lunch special at Sizzler. It’s a filet mignon on an island where food is otherwise rationed.