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Tyler Kolek’s Christmas Surge Elevates His Role With the Knicks

His emergence under Mike Brown is easing calls to add a backup.

Overview

  • Kolek delivered 16 points and nine assists in 25 minutes, hitting 4-of-5 from deep, as New York edged Cleveland 126-124 on Christmas Day.
  • The Knicks erased a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit in the win, with Kolek posting a team-best +24 plus/minus, according to team-focused analysis.
  • His breakout follows a near triple-double earlier in the week against Minnesota with 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.
  • Kolek credited Brown’s demanding approach for his development, saying the system has empowered him to run the team from the point guard spot.
  • Recent production has softened the push to trade for a backup guard, with his minutes and efficiency climbing while Miles McBride recovers and Landry Shamet is expected back soon.