Knee pain sidelines Frank

KNIcKS point guard Frank Ntilikina missed the second half of Sunday’s 99-96 loss to the Hawks because of right knee soreness.

The rookie said he’s been feeling the pain in his knee for about a month, and on Sunday, the soreness was “a little more” than usual.

“It’s tough. My knee’s sore,” Ntilikina said. “It’s tough to not be out there to help my teammates in this game. I’ve got to be smart, recover a lot and hope I will get back for the next game.”

When asked if he thinks he needs to take a game off to rest the knee, Ntilikina replied, “I don’t want to.” The Knicks face the Bucks for the second time in five days Tuesday night at the Garden. Ntilikina does not expect to need an MRI. He said the soreness has developed “over time” and believes it could be related to overuse.

“Working a lot,” Ntilikina said. “I might have pushed maybe too much. I have to be smart with it and just treat it.”

The 19-year-old has dealt with right knee problems at various times since the Knicks drafted him with the No. 8 overall pick. In June, Ntilikina sat out Summer League games because of right knee soreness. He was also limited to just one preseason game because of a right knee bruise.

In Ntilikina’s absence Sunday, recent G League call-up Trey Burke helped spur the Knicks offensively with 14 points in 16 minutes off the bench. Burke, who did not play Friday against Milwaukee in a coach’s decision, shot 6 of 10 from the field, including 1 of 2 from downtown.