The New York Knicks are starting to look like a team built for the long haul-and on Christmas Day, they showed exactly why.
In a 126-124 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, it wasn’t just Jalen Brunson doing the heavy lifting. Sure, Brunson dropped 34 points in another signature performance, but it was the Knicks’ bench-yes, the bench-that helped push them over the top. That’s a sentence you wouldn’t have believed last season, but this version of the Knicks is deeper, tougher, and more versatile than we’ve seen in years.
Tyler Kolek: From Afterthought to Floor General
Let’s start with Tyler Kolek. The second-year guard wasn’t even in the rotation a year ago.
Now? He’s becoming essential.
Kolek poured in 16 points and dished out nine assists off the bench, showing poise beyond his years. He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient-his assist-to-turnover ratio is north of 3-to-1, and that kind of ball security is gold for a second unit.
What stood out on Christmas was his shooting. Kolek knocked down threes like he was back at Marquette, where he hit nearly 40% from deep over his final two college seasons.
That shooting hadn’t quite translated to the NBA-until now. His perimeter stroke helped fuel a big fourth-quarter push, a sign that his offensive game is rounding into form at just the right time.
What’s more, head coach Mike Brown is giving Kolek opportunities that just weren’t there under Tom Thibodeau. And Kolek is making the most of them, often sharing the floor with Brunson in dual-guard lineups that give the Knicks flexibility and pace.
Jordan Clarkson: Instant Offense, Still
Then there’s Jordan Clarkson, doing what he’s done his whole career-get buckets. The former Sixth Man of the Year lit up Cleveland for 25 points, including five made threes.
His microwave scoring off the bench gave the Knicks a much-needed spark, especially when the starters hit a lull. Clarkson’s role hasn’t changed much over the years, but his ability to change a game in a matter of possessions remains elite.
Mitchell Robinson: The Knicks’ Secret Weapon
Mitchell Robinson doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, and that’s exactly what makes him so valuable. He played just 17 minutes but grabbed 13 rebounds, including eight on the offensive glass. That’s not just hustle-that’s game-changing effort.
He didn’t score (he only took one shot and missed), but he didn’t need to. His rebounding and rim protection gave the Knicks second-chance opportunities and helped neutralize Cleveland’s twin towers, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. The Knicks’ bigs out-rebounded that duo 27 to 17, a stat that tells you everything about who controlled the paint.
And thanks to Karl-Anthony Towns’ ability to stretch the floor, the Knicks can pair him with Robinson without sacrificing spacing. That pairing was crucial in this matchup, allowing New York to counter Cleveland’s size without giving up offensive rhythm.
Brunson vs. Mitchell: A Tale of Two Stars
Jalen Brunson continues to prove he’s the engine of this Knicks team. His 34 points were critical, but what separates New York right now is how much help he gets.
Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell had some highlight moments-a deep three from near halfcourt and a powerful late-game dunk-but the support just wasn’t there. The Knicks’ role players stepped up; the Cavs’ didn’t.
That’s the difference between a good team and a great one. And right now, the Knicks are looking like the latter.
A Statement Win on a National Stage
Both the Knicks and Cavaliers came into the season with high expectations in the East. But on Christmas, New York looked like the deeper, more dangerous team. Even with Cleveland playing well, the Knicks had more answers-more contributors, more toughness, more ways to win.
This wasn’t just a regular-season victory. It was a statement.
The Knicks are no longer just a team with potential. They’re a team with purpose-and they’ve got the depth to back it up.