Tyler Kolek Shines on Christmas Stage as Knicks Rally Past Cavs, Rick Pitino Takes a Victory Lap
Tyler Kolek might not have gone in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, but Rick Pitino is making sure everyone remembers he called it. And after Kolek’s breakout performance in the Knicks’ 126-124 Christmas Day win over the Cavaliers, it’s hard to argue with him.
Kolek, now in his second year in the league, has quietly carved out a meaningful role in New York’s rotation. He’s not the flashiest name on the roster, but he’s become exactly what the Knicks needed: a high-IQ guard who can spark the offense and hold his own on both ends. That was on full display in the holiday thriller at Madison Square Garden.
Coming off the bench, Kolek logged 25 minutes and delivered a stat line that jumped off the page: 16 points, nine assists, three rebounds, and a block. He was efficient and poised, going 5-of-9 from the field, 4-of-5 from deep, and a perfect 2-of-2 at the line.
It wasn’t just the numbers-it was the timing. Kolek made big plays in big moments, keeping the Knicks within striking distance before they surged ahead late.
Rick Pitino, who coached Kolek during his college days, had flagged him as a sleeper in the leadup to the draft. He believed Kolek had first-round talent, citing his vision and anticipation as next-level.
The Blazers grabbed him at No. 34 before shipping him to New York for future assets. Now, Pitino’s early evaluation is aging like fine wine.
After Kolek’s performance, Pitino reposted his original draft-night tweet with a GIF of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski grinning-subtle, but the message was clear: *Told you so. *
The Knicks needed every bit of Kolek’s spark, too. Cleveland came out hot and built a 17-point lead in the first half.
https://t.co/APOagAOLWC pic.twitter.com/f4dUYR83N6
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) December 25, 2025
But New York didn’t flinch. They chipped away in the second quarter, tightened up defensively, and turned the game into a slugfest down the stretch.
When the final buzzer sounded, it was the Knicks who landed the last punch.
The difference-makers? Perimeter shooting and defensive activity.
New York knocked down 21 threes and racked up 13 combined steals and blocks-categories where they outpaced Cleveland, who finished with 15 triples and seven stocks. That edge in hustle and shot-making proved decisive.
Jalen Brunson once again led the way, pouring in 34 points with four assists and two steals. He wasn’t the most efficient from the field (10-of-25), but he made up for it with six threes and clutch buckets late.
Jordan Clarkson added 25 points and three steals off the bench, Josh Hart chipped in 15 points and five boards, and Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns rounded out the scoring with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Towns also grabbed 14 rebounds, anchoring the glass.
In all, six Knicks scored in double figures-a testament to the team’s depth and balance, which has become a hallmark of their success this season.
With the win, New York moved to 21-9 on the year, solidifying their spot as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. They hold a 2.5-game lead over Boston and are 3.5 games ahead of Toronto, still trailing the conference-leading Pistons by three games.
Next up, the Knicks hit the road to face the Atlanta Hawks on December 27. But for now, the spotlight belongs to Tyler Kolek-a second-round pick proving he belongs, and a coach who never doubted him.