Overview
- In the Knicks’ 126-124 Christmas win over the Cavaliers, Kolek logged 16 points and nine assists in 25 minutes, hitting 5-of-9 from the field and 4-of-5 from three with 11 fourth-quarter points.
- Two days earlier at Minnesota, after Mike Brown called out his shot selection at halftime, he closed with 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in a near triple-double.
- Kolek said Brown’s accountability accelerates his development, describing himself as an extension of the coach and emphasizing a “change the game” mindset off the bench.
- With Miles McBride and Landry Shamet nearing returns, SNY reporting has raised whether New York still needs to trade for a veteran reserve or lean further into Kolek’s minutes.
- The surge drew wide praise, including teammates lauding his toughness, Donovan Mitchell crediting a chase-down block, and Rick Pitino resurfacing a 2024 tweet calling Kolek a late first-round sleeper.