Quentin Grimes’ sore left foot didn’t cost him the entire preseason after all.

The second-year guard played Friday night in the Knicks’ 105-89 exhibition victory over the Wizards at the Garden after returning to practice this week. Following a standout summer league, there was some thought Grimes would challenge veteran Evan Fournier to be the team’s starting shooting guard, but the foot injury never gave him a shot at doing so. Coach Tom Thibodeau called Fournier the front-runner to start at the outset of camp, and that never changed.

Grimes was scoreless Friday in 16 minutes, missing both of his shots, but he had an assist and a rebound.

“Good, he’s got to get his timing. Great energy, flying all over the place,” Thibodeau said. “Probably got to slow down a little bit, but I love the energy he gives us.”

A first-round pick a year ago, Grimes was impressive in 46 games as a rookie, notching 6.0 points and shooting 38.1 percent from 3-point range. He shined in the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 22.6 points, 4.0 assists, 3.4 3-pointers and posting a plus-10 rating. He showcased new aspects of his game, such as the ability to be a playmaker and get to the basket.

“His intensity is really what separates him,” Thibodeau said. “Shot profile, he knows what shots he should take. He knows how to play. He knows, he plays with speed. … So I think he’ll fit in seamlessly.”

The Knicks stuck with the same starters: Fournier, RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.

They again were impressive, keying the victory. Brunson led the way with 27 points, five assists, four rebounds and a plus-27 rating in 31 minutes. The Knicks outscored their four preseason opponents by 63 points when Brunson was on the court. Robinson had his best game of the preseason, notching 20 points, 12 rebounds (nine offensive) and two blocks.

Obi Toppin turned his ankle in the fourth quarter and didn’t return. Thibodeau didn’t have an update after the game. … Former Knick Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) didn’t play for the Wizards and neither did Deni Avdija (left groin strain). … The Knicks signed undrafted rookie James Akinjo on Friday afternoon, giving them a full 20-man preseason roster. He played for the Hawks during summer league.