Knicks Edge Pacers Behind Brunson’s Heroics - and a Breakout Night from Tyler Kolek
Fresh off their NBA Cup Championship, the New York Knicks didn’t exactly come out firing on all cylinders - but they found a way. Rallying from an early deficit and leaning on some unexpected firepower, the Knicks pulled off a gritty 114-113 win over the Indiana Pacers in a game that had all the makings of a letdown spot. Instead, it turned into a showcase of resilience, clutch shot-making, and the emergence of a rookie who just might be carving out a real role in this rotation.
Tyler Kolek: The Spark Off the Bench
Let’s start with the surprise of the night - Tyler Kolek. The rookie stepped into the spotlight with a performance that turned heads and, more importantly, turned the tide of the game. With the Knicks shorthanded and in need of a jolt, Kolek delivered his first career double-double: 16 points and 11 assists in just 26 minutes off the bench.
He was efficient, confident, and composed - shooting 70% from the field and knocking down two of his four attempts from beyond the arc. But it wasn’t just the scoring.
Kolek’s playmaking was sharp all night, especially in the pick-and-roll, where he consistently found open teammates. Whether it was hitting rollers in stride or kicking out to shooters, he looked like a seasoned floor general, not a rookie still getting his feet wet.
One of the biggest plays of the night? Kolek’s drive-and-kick to OG Anunoby in the corner for a game-tying three with two minutes to go. It was a poised read in a pressure moment - the kind of play that earns trust quickly.
After the game, Jalen Brunson didn’t mince words: “I want to thank the Lord for Tyler Kolek... and saving me.” Brunson, ever the leader, was quick to deflect praise, but he also made it clear that Kolek’s breakout wasn’t a fluke.
“He’s always in the gym with me,” Brunson said. “The world may be surprised, but we knew what he’s capable of.”
Brunson Delivers the Dagger
Of course, when it came time to close, the Knicks leaned on their closer. Jalen Brunson, who led the team with 25 points, hit the game-winner - a cold-blooded, side-stepping three over Andrew Nembhard with four seconds left. That’s the kind of shot we’ve come to expect from Brunson, who continues to prove he’s not just the engine of this team, but its heartbeat.
The Pacers had one last shot, but chaos ensued. Pascal Siakam stumbled over Nembhard’s foot on the inbounds play, allowing OG Anunoby to swoop in for a steal. Siakam recovered to block Anunoby’s layup attempt on the break, but Kolek - fittingly - was there to clean up the miss and secure the ball as the clock expired.
Knicks Win Despite Missing Key Pieces
This wasn’t a full-strength Knicks squad. They were missing three key frontcourt players - Josh Hart (abdominal strain), Karl-Anthony Towns (knee soreness), and Mitchell Robinson (ankle management) - which forced Tom Thibodeau to dig deep into his bench.
Mohamed Diawara and Ariel Hukporti stepped into starting roles. Diawara logged 18 minutes with five points and three rebounds, while Hukporti played 26 minutes, adding four points, five boards, and three assists. They weren’t flashy, but they held their ground and gave the Knicks enough to stay in the fight.
Jordan Clarkson also gave the Knicks a lift off the bench, pouring in 18 points, including five threes. His shot-making helped keep the offense afloat while the team found its rhythm.
Early Hole, Strong Response
It took a while for New York to shake off what looked like a bit of an NBA Cup hangover. The Pacers jumped out to a 20-9 lead midway through the first quarter and pushed it to 34-20 late in the frame. The Knicks trimmed the deficit to 11 by the end of the quarter, but they clearly needed a spark.
That spark came in the second quarter, where the Knicks outscored Indiana 34-26. They attacked the paint with purpose, racking up 16 points inside and cutting the Pacers’ lead to just three at halftime. From there, it was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading punches until Brunson’s final haymaker.
What This Win Means
This wasn’t the prettiest win of the season, but it might be one of the most telling. The Knicks showed they can gut out a win without key starters, lean on their depth, and trust a rookie in crunch time. Tyler Kolek’s emergence adds another wrinkle to a team that’s already proven it can win in multiple ways.
And as long as Brunson is healthy and hitting shots like that, the Knicks are going to be a problem - NBA Cup hangover or not.