Tyler Kolek is turning his minutes into a real argument for more trust.
With Jose Alvarado sidelined for three games because of an ankle injury, the New York Knicks have leaned harder on the 25-year-old, and he has delivered in a big way. In a primary backup point guard role, Kolek has handled the ball cleanly, kept the offense moving and stacked up assists with the kind of rhythm that has made him hard to miss in just 14.7 minutes per night.
That was on display again in Wednesday’s 133-127 win over the Bulls, when Kolek logged his second nine-assist game in four nights. Even more eye-catching: he is the only player in the league, as of this writing, with double-digit assists - 21 total - and not a single turnover.
Mike Brown has been direct about what he wants from him. He asked Kolek to “run the team” when he’s on the floor and “set our offense up.” So far, that’s exactly what Kolek has done, and the energy he has injected into a Knicks offense that had been stuck in place has made it tough to imagine him disappearing from the rotation any time soon.
The Knicks got another big lift from Jalen Brunson, who finally shook off an ugly early-season slump in the same win. Brunson played 35 minutes and poured in a season-high 38 points, shooting 52.0 percent from the field and 60.0 percent from 3-point range.
That was a much-needed reset after his first three games of the season went off the rails. Over that stretch, he shot just 36.6 percent overall and 20.0 percent from deep, well below what anyone expects from him.
Against Chicago, though, Brunson looked far more comfortable operating on the perimeter and his jumper looked smoother and more natural. It also fits the larger picture after his summer wrist surgery to repair a soft-tissue tendon/ligament injury that had bothered him during New York’s championship run last season.
With more time on the floor, the sense is that Brunson’s shooting should settle back toward his usual level. Entering this season, he carried career marks of 48.5 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from beyond the arc.
In Other News...
Knicks Could Catch A Huge Break Against The 76ers
The Knicks may get a little help from the injury report before they even step on the floor Friday night. Philadelphia wing Jaylen Brown has been listed as questionable with left knee soreness, a development that could matter in a matchup between two teams already measuring every edge they can find. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. EST, and any absence from Brown would be his first of the season.
For New York, the timing adds another layer to a meeting that already carries a bit of weight. A player sitting out because of soreness is hardly a guarantee, but it is the kind of late-breaking wrinkle that can reshape how a game is approached on both sides. The Knicks will be watching closely as the status report develops, knowing a break like this can change the tone of an opponents rotation in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks Sent A Clear Rotation Message In Stunning Comeback Win
The comeback in Chicago did more than improve the Knicks record, it offered a quick look at how Mike Brown is willing to manage his new rotation. New York erased a 19-point hole and beat the Bulls 133-127, but the most eye-catching part of the win was Brown cutting into Mikal Bridges minutes while leaning on a bench group that brought energy, playmaking and shot-making when the game was slipping away.
Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet combined for 41 points and 15 assists, a reminder that Brown is not afraid to search deeper into the roster when the situation calls for it. Jalen Brunson carried the offense with 38 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and 13 rebounds despite a brief injury scare, but the bigger question now is whether this kind of rotation flexibility is a one-night answer or a sign of how Brown sees the Knicks moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
Bulls Young Core Showed Real Progress In A Brutal Finish
The Bulls gave the Knicks a real test at the United Center, hanging around for much of a game that had the feel of an early-season measuring stick between two teams trying to sort out who they are. Chicagos young core brought energy and urgency, but the difference in the end came down to the Knicks looking steadier when the pressure rose, especially after a contest that stayed competitive deep into the fourth quarter.
Jalen Brunson did much of the finishing for New York, scoring 14 points in the final quarter and drilling three 3-pointers to help close the door on a 133-127 win. The Bulls had chances, but turnovers and inconsistent shooting kept them from fully cashing in on their effort, while the Knicks leaned on experience and timely shot-making to leave with a hard-earned victory. [Read more 🡒]