News Knicks Team Notes

[New York Knicks]

Jalen Brunson: Erik Spoelstra’s kryptonite

Erik Spoelstra is a legend. He’s on the short list of the greatest coaches in NBA history and is a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer. He took over for one of the NBA’s all-time great coaches in Pat Riley and didn’t miss a beat, taking the job at age 38.

Despite having to manage the egos and pressure that came with the dominance of the Big 3 in the early 2010s, he led them to four Finals appearances and two NBA championships. Even after LeBron left, Dwyane Wade regressed, and Chris Bosh was forced to medically retire, he kept the Heat respectable, never losing more than 45 games in a season and maximizing his personnel despite the increasing mediocrity that Riley supplied him as the team’s president. Miami made another two NBA Finals, including one as a No. 8 seed in 2023.

His teams have always been a pain to play against, especially since the end of the Big 3 Era. They’ve always prioritized physicality, defense, and making life hell for their opponents. We know that firsthand from 2022-23, as an injured, struggling Julius Randle continued his longtime playoff struggles and most of the Knicks roster was held to dreadful numbers in the 2023 Second Round series against his Heatles.

The one player he’s never been able to keep under wraps, however, is Jalen Brunson.

The Knicks’ captain had one of his best games as a Knick on Sunday, dropping 47 points (the most he’s ever scored at MSG!) and shouldering the load on an off-night for Karl-Anthony Towns to lead the Knicks to their 20th win of the season.

JALEN BRUNSON TONIGHT

47 POINTS
8 ASSISTS
0 TURNOVERS
15-26 FG
6-13 3P

New Garden career high
pic.twitter.com/BY0N3T5gpe

— Teg (@IQfor3) December 22, 2025

After the game, Spoelstra sang the praises of Brunson and the Knicks, something he’s done several times in the past:

Sit back and enjoy, Knicks fans. pic.twitter.com/9EVrFXUGC1

— Rit Holtzman (@BenRitholtzNBA) December 22, 2025

Brunson has faced the Heat 16 times since becoming a Knick, averaging 28.8 points a night on 51/37/87 shooting splits. Only two players have averaged more against the Heat in that span, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic, who’ve only faced Miami eight combined times.

No matter what the circumstance, no matter who’s guarding him, Coach Spo has never had an answer for JB.

In the three meetings between the teams in March 2023, Brunson had two 25-point games, but was decently supported by Randle, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett. Come playoff time, however, all three of them put together putrid performances, and Brunson had to put on his cape.

Brunson averaged 31 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.5 rebounds on solid shooting in the six-game defeat, scoring 20 in every single game. He played all 48 minutes in a 38-point masterpiece in Game 5 and played 45 minutes in Game 6, scoring 41 of the team’s 92 points while being a plus-3 in a four-point loss. The only time he sat, the Heat went on a 10-0 run to put a stranglehold on the game in the second quarter.

After the game, Spoelstra waxed poetic about Brunson, who at that point had never been an all-star or All-NBA player. The two’s connection would grow that summer, when Spoelstra was an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, in which Brunson was the starting point guard.

Spo on Jalen Brunson (41 points in Game 6): “How’s that dude not an All-Star or All-NBA?…He should be on one of those teams. I wish he were still out West. Man you gotta respect him as a competitor…He’s got an iron will. There’s something about these Villanova guys, they’re as… pic.twitter.com/pVH1UpVh4e

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 13, 2023

Brunson dropped 32 again on the Heat in January 2024 on the day Randle played his final game as a Knick due to a dislocated shoulder injury. He scored 31 in January 2025 in an overtime win. In the two meetings in which he’s played this season, he has had 37 and 47-point games. Since becoming a Knick, he’s failed to score 20 one singular time against the Heat.

While his career averages against the Heat are dragged down by his days in Dallas, Brunson’s averages against them are truly elite.

Since Erik Spoelstra took over in 2008, LeBron James’ 27.6 points per game is the most against the Heat in 38 games, followed by Kevin Durant at 27.3. Damian Lillard and Steph Curry also average over 24 points a night.

Remember, since becoming a Knick, Brunson is averaging 28.8 points a game against Spoelstra. Even including his time in Dallas, he has the fifth-highest PPG average of any player against a Spo team.

So yeah, Spo’s right to hold him in such high regard. Say, isn’t he going to coach the 2028 Summer Olympic team?

Wonder if he needs a point guard.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/.../jalen-brunson-erik-spoelstra-knicks-heat-nba

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Preview: Knicks at Timberwolves, December 23, 2025

Imagine their frequent flyer miles! Today, the New York Knicks (20*-8) will zip to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves (19-10) of the hinterlands. Then they’ll have to jet home in time to play the Christmas Day matinee. Let’s hope they’ve had time to wrap Christmas presents, or, like this extravagantly rich writer, have a well-paid assistant to handle that stuff.

Aside from the weariness of constantly being in a tin can 35,000 feet above the ground and a tough slate of games, the Knicks must be feeling pretty good. They come into Minny having won 11 of their last 13, and the NBA Cup! Trouble awaits them in the tundra, though. Their furry-faced opponents have taken nine of 13, and their last two victories came against the Bucks and Thunder (and OKC is no slouch).

Powered by Anthony Edwards (28.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 3.9 APG), the ‘Wolves are a well-balanced, top-10 team on both sides of the ball. Their offense is efficient at 117.8 (8th), and their defense is even stronger at 113.0 (7th), making them one of the better two-way teams in the NBA. Tough D? Yep. They allow 113.8 points per game (9th) and limit opponents to 45.7% shooting. Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid are two of their best paint protectors, but that lovable scamp Edwards is more than just an offensive dynamo–he averages 2.3 deflections, 1.2 steals, and almost a block per game.

When they last played, on November 5 at the Garden, the Knicks beat the doggies 137–114. OG Anunoby scored 25 points, and Jalen Brunson added 23 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 32 points. New York hit 19 of 42 threes and dominated the glass 50–31, holding Anthony Edwards to 15 points in his return. The 23-point win was Minnesota’s worst loss of the season.

This game should prove to be a closer affair. New York will play without Brunson (ankle), Anunoby (ankle), Miles McBride (ankle), and Guerschon Yabusele (illness–preparing to be traded). They will have Karl-Anthony Towns, however, returning to Minnesota for the final regular-season meeting between the teams. Without Brunson and Anunoby, New York will need strong leadership and scoring from KAT tonight if they hope to clear this high hurdle.

On the T’Wolves’ side, Joe Ingles is out for personal reasons, while Jaden McDaniels is listed as a game-time decision with a hip issue. OAKAAKUYOAK Julius Randle is averaging 22.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 5.6 APS, without missing a game. Another fine season for our old friend.

Prediction​

ESPN.com favors Minny at 51%. Almost a toss-up! Well, we’d give them slightly better odds. The flea-bitten Wolves have homecourt advantage, and this is the last of a five-game homestand. They had yesterday off to rest and prepare, while the Knicks were at the airport, trying to Postmates Cartier jewelry for their spouses’ stockings. Without Jalen, OG, and Deuce, Mike Brown will need to tap into his creative side. He might even give Tyler Kolek his first start of the season and extensive minutes to rookie Mohamed Diawara. Wouldn’t that be something if the youngsters seized their opportunity and put down one of the toughest teams in the West? We don’t expect that to actually happen, but that would indeed be something.

Game Details​

Teams: New York Knicks (20*-8) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (19-10)
Date: Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
TV: MSG
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...eview-knicks-at-timberwolves-december-23-2025

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Thread: Knicks at Timberwolves, December 23, 2025

The New York Knicks (20*-8) head to Minnesota with the wind at their backs. They’ve won 11 of their last 13 and an NBA Cup full of money. Tonight they’ll be shorthanded, though, with a tough test before them. The rested Timberwolves (19-10) have won nine of their last 13, and led by Anthony Edwards, they’re a top-10 unit on both sides of the floor. Meanwhile, our heroes will be without Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Miles McBride, and Guerschon Yabusele. That puts added pressure on Karl-Anthony Towns, returning to Minnesota, to lead a short-handed group against a deep, physical Wolves squad with home-court advantage.

Will Tyler Kolek get his first career start? Will Mohamed Diawara play 20 minutes? Tune in, Knicks fans. Tip-off is 8 pm EST on MSG. This is your game thread. This is Canis Hoopus. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Mind your manners. And go Knicks!

* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...hread-knicks-at-timberwolves-december-23-2025

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘He just has to continue to try not pick up cheap fouls’

Win the NBA Cup now, deal with schedule losses later.

That’s where the New York Knicks are at, right?

Here’s a bunch of what we heard from the protagonists of yesterday’s affair.

Mike Brown: "KAT obviously can score…He just has to continue to try to not pick up cheap fouls…now we have to sit him when he needs to be on the floor…40 & 13, doesn't surprise me at all…But if you're gonna be a great player, we expect more from him. I'm sure he does too" pic.twitter.com/of58l7wqIU

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 24, 2025

Mike Brown​

On the need for Towns to stop making dumb fouls:

“With KAT, obviously, he can score. He had 40 tonight. I said it before, he’s a walking double-double. He just has to continue to try not pick up cheap fouls. Now we have to sit him for an X amount of minutes when he needs to be on the floor. So, you know, the 40 and 13, it doesn’t surprise me at all because he’s more than capable. But if you’re gonna be a great player, we expect more from him. I’m sure he does too.”

On Tyler Kolek’s first start:

“For a young guy, he tried to do what he could while he was out there. But we needed more from him, probably more so defensively than offensively at the end of the day if we expect to get a win on the road.”

On the team’s competitiveness without Brunson on Tuesday:

“We did fight in spurts. But I’m greedy just like everyone in that locker room is. We’re all competitive and we know we could’ve done a better job.”

On Julius Randle’s aggression killing New York:

“He was just aggressive. He was just taking it right to us. We started blitzing Edwards, and they basically just gave him the ball and he put his head down and he attacked our chests. Again, we gotta give them credit, because he used his footwork, he used his power, he used his strength, he used his quickness to get by us, to finish at the rim and to get to the free-throw line.”

On his defensive adjustments against Minny and using a zone-D in the second quarter:

“We wanted to mix it up. We weren’t getting many stops. Edwards was playing at a high level, and we wanted to try to just give them a different look.”

On Trey Jemison III’s impact:

“He’s a physical presence. He’s a guy who communicates extremely well for a young guy. Guys like playing with him because they know he’s going to set screens and get them open. And he’s got good feet and a good motor.”

"I left my heart & soul here in Minnesota. For the fans–even after 2 seasons away–to respect me the way they do, think of me highly, appreciate what I left on the court, means a lot. It really means a lot"

– KAT (40&13 in loss) on Wolves fans ovation when he came out end of game pic.twitter.com/XjFSe2lOzk

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 24, 2025

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On his main goal whether or not Jalen Brunson plays:

“Win. The same thing, must go out there and find a way to win. Just go out there and win. I don’t worry about that. I come out here to win.”

On carrying the Knicks in a loss:

“I knew what the situation was. I knew that the ball would find me more today and I wanted to be aggressive, impact winning. I thought I just wanted to do whatever it took to come out of here with a win. Obviously we didn’t do enough, I didn’t do enough. This is going to be a tough plane ride home.”

On returning to Minnesota:

“It can be two truths in that. You can be at peace knowing the business cycle keeps going and business is business. After the year we had last year in New York, feeling more at home, fans welcoming you in more, obviously you can be at peace with it, but it still stings when you’re not walking into this locker room. Coming to this amazing state, this city and realize you’re not going to the training facility anymore, you’re not making that drive in, you’re not doing all that. Now you’re in a hotel, it hits different.”

On the Timberwolves organization:

“I know we’ve done a lot of amazing things in the last 12 months in New York, but I had nine years here. Just watching this organization grow from being a lottery team to now being a Western Conference juggernaut, to be part of that growth, part of that organization’s rise, to be blessed with the opportunity to change a lot of people’s lives. And a lot of the kids that grew up watching me now are adults. Some of them got kids themselves. To be able to give them something to cheer for, it’s what it’s really all about.”

On emotions returning to Minnesota:

“Hell yeah, I was yesterday, me and my girl was. Going to our house here, it’s different when you’re not here. We talked about the lifestyle here and how awesome it is to be here and all the memories here, just reliving them, driving by the same places that we always used to go to, getting our coffees and stuff. And then being able to have HopeKids at the Theater yesterday, having that kind of community event that I was always having here, it’s crazy that it’s the second year and it still feels the same.”

On his relationship with Anthony Edwards:

“I talk to him almost every day. Spent a lot of time with him Monday. Just happy that he’s continuing his journey and that I get to watch it.”

On Minnesota fans:

“For the fans to just, even after two seasons away, to respect me the way they do and to think of me so highly and to appreciate what I left on the court tonight, it means a lot.”

"Tyler was good in spurts…11 rebounds his size fantastic too…For a young guy tried to do what he could. But we need more from him, moreso defensively, if we expect to get a win on the road"

–– Mike Brown on Tyler Kolek's 20-11-8 career night in undermanned loss to Wolves pic.twitter.com/07ZNoFrLh3

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 24, 2025

Tyler Kolek​

On his first career start:

“Anytime you get an opportunity like that, you try to take advantage of it. These guys got confidence in me to go out there and play my game and do what I do. It’s too bad, we just couldn’t get the win.”

Flagrant on Josh after Gobert no-call shove pic.twitter.com/kjE9aSiFbW

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 24, 2025

Josh Hart​

On the flagrant foul incident with Gobert:

“We were battling for a rebound, I felt like I got pushed and then the other one he kind of smacked down, hit the ball and then hit me. I wasn’t trying to hit his knee, I didn’t really make too much contact, obviously. Don’t wanna do anything around there, doesn’t help that he’s 7-foot-4. I’m trying to push him but his knee is kinda up there. Just out of frustration, I gotta be better.”

On failing to finish Tuesday’s game strong:

“We battled back and then we just didn’t play good enough to finish it. I had too many turnovers. Some of those turnovers turned into easy baskets, and that kind of kills any momentum we kind of have. I gotta be better.”

KAT with Julius, Ant, Conley, Gobert, and long ovation in Target Center pic.twitter.com/RG7P2Erpsc

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 24, 2025

Julius Randle​

On handling adversity:

“I haven’t been great at that in my career. I put so much into the game and work really hard, so you kind of become a perfectionist, mentally, and for me that’s always been tough.”

On moving on from New York:

“I’m over it. I had a great time in New York, accomplished a lot of great things. The city was great to me, but I’m happy to be here in Minnesota, playing in front of the fans every day, being a part of this team. I’m home. Where I’m at is home. So I think I’ve kind of got past that, and I’m just happy where I am now.”

Anthony Edwards in playing against Karl Anthony Towns

“It’s still like kind of weird, but that’s my brother man and I love him so whenever he at Ima salute, and be on the side and cheer for him” pic.twitter.com/dBJOkLIsLk

— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) December 24, 2025

Anthony Edwards​

On Karl-Anthony Towns’ performance:

“I didn’t even know he had 40 until after the game. But he played his ass off. We all know how much of a special talent he is. I definitely wasn’t trying to match him. I was happy to see him doing his thing.”

Happy 9th birthday Kyden Randle pic.twitter.com/6rcVh3jcHM

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 24, 2025

Chris Finch (Timberwolves Head Coach)​

On Julius Randle’s impact on Tuesday’s game:

“Being able to shake off the poor start and play inspired basketball and really be the guy who turns the game around in the fourth or seals it in a lot of ways, I was proud of him tonight.”

“I’ve been sitting at home… I wanted to wait for the NBA but I was just ready to play”

— Cam Payne on joining the EuroLeague’s Partizan Belgrade pic.twitter.com/HkADFxSpgd

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 24, 2025

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...as-to-continue-to-try-not-pick-up-cheap-fouls

 

[New York Knicks]

Timberwolves 115, Knicks 104: Randle’s late explosion spoils Kolek’s career night and KAT’s 40

The NBA must have expected this to be a lively game. For the New York Knicks’ (20*-9) visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves (20-10), the league enlisted an officiating crew of Josh Tiven, Sean Corbin, and Michael Smith. By my count, that’s 76 years of NBA officiating experience. Turns out, the league was right. With the Knicks missing five rotational players—Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Miles McBride, Guerschon Yabusele, and Landry Shamet—this game turned out to be wayyy more entertaining than we expected it to be.

Karl-Anthony Towns set the tone against his former team with 14 quick points, and Tyler Kolek cracked off six points and two steals, but the Knicks lost the first quarter 31-28. A Bones Hyland shooting burst pushed Minnesota’s lead to 16, but Towns, Josh Hart, and Jordan Clarkson sparked a Knicks rally that cut Minnesota’s advantage to 58–52. In the third, the visitors erased another double-digit deficit and briefly reclaimed the lead behind Towns and Hart, but a flagrant foul and timely Minnesota threes swung momentum back to the Wolves, up 85–79 heading to the fourth. From there, the Furballs steadily pulled away behind Julius Randle, who woke up to score 15 straight points and giving them a 115-104 win.

Towns finished the night with a 40-13 double-double on 14-of-24 shooting, including 3-of-6 from deep. He fouled out late in the game, and his foul trouble allowed Minnesota to feast in the paint in the fourth. Not helping a whole lot: Mitchell Robinson with seven rebounds, two blocks, and two points in his 26 minutes. Mitch logged a team-worst -15 plus-minus. The Knicks won the rebounding battle, 55-42, and the paint points, 54-42, but it never felt like their frontcourt was dominating. The team’s atrocious amount of turnovers—19!—certainly didn’t help.

In his first NBA start, Tyler Kolek continued the blossoming he showed in the Cup tourney. He recorded career-highs of 20 points and 11 rebounds, plus eight assists, three steals, and just two turnovers. The sophomore shot 9-of-22 from the field and 2-of-6 from deep in his 31 minutes. He even flashed Brunson-esque footwork (see below). This game might have been a loss, but to see this from the young playmaker takes much of the sting out.

Rounding out the starters, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart both had double-doubles. Bridges’ was a 20-point, 11-rebound affair on 7-of-16 shooting, 1-of-6 from deep in 38 minutes. Hart played 42 minutes, scoring 12 points, grabbing 15 boards, and dishing out eight dimes.

For the home team, Anthony Edwards shot 15-of-27 for 38 points, plus four steals. But it was Randle’s night. He sleepwalked through the first three quarters, then when Towns was in foul trouble, Julius ate him up. He scored 17 points in the fourth, including 15 in a row. Clearly, the trade that swapped him and Donte DiVincenzo for KAT last year still stirs up emotions. We get some feels seeing him, too.

First Half​

KAT was the star of the first quarter. Determined to show off for his old team and make up for Sunday’s two-point performance, he scored 14 points on nine shots in 10 minutes.

Kolek showed some first-time jitters, but got his legs under him pretty quickly. On one breakaway, with defenders ahead of him, the sophomore playmaker slowed his step at the last minute to put the Wolves on skates and make the easy bunny. Totally a Jalen Brunson move, and it showed great poise. He’d close the quarter with six points, two steals, and a pair of assists.

For the villains, Gobert had two steals in the quarter, and Edwards dropped 13 points on seven shots.

Dealing with a short-handed crew, Coach Mike Brown mixed and matched through the period. Around the four-minute mark, Mohamed Diawara checked in, and Jordan Clarkson and Ariel Hukporti both got some burn.

The Knicks leaned on interior scoring and ball pressure, scoring 20 points in the paint, grabbing three offensive rebounds, and forcing five steals, but they struggled from deep (1-for-7). Minnesota shot more efficiently overall and from three, dished out nine assists, and led for 71% of the quarter. At the break, after eight lead changes, Minny held a 31-28 point advantage.

All hands on deck! To start the second, Mike Brown inserted sophomore Kevin McCullar, Jr., playing the seventh game of his career. His four minutes will not be recognized in Springfield. Meanwhile, Kolek’s shots were falling a little short, indicating that his legs were faltering. Around the eight-minute mark, Pacome Dadiet replaced him on the floor, playing just his 11th game of the season (he’s averaging 2.5 MPG).

Bones Hyland’s mini-flurry of threes flipped the quarter from a manageable deficit to teetering on getting ugly early. The Wolves went ahead by 16, their largest lead so far. KAT, Hart, and Clarkson stepped into the void, linking up like Voltron to score 10 unanswered points and trim their deficit to five.

Edwards cooked Clarkson for a 19-foot jumper; Bridges responded with a trey. Edwards missed, and a Dadiet rebound became a Hart-assisted three-pointer by Clarkson. New York was knocking on the door, down one point, but a triple from Donte and a Gobert tip-in goosed the score to 58-52 at halftime.

The teams played an evenly matched first half in terms of field goal shooting and rebounding, but Minnesota controlled the flow. New York held a points-in-the-paint edge (30–22) but struggled from three (4-of-14). Minnesota made their bones beyond the arc, knocking down nine threes, and moving the ball well with 15 assists. Edwards led the home team with 18 points; for the visitors, Towns had 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting.

Besides Towns in the frontcourt, Robinson was underperforming, with two points, rebounds, and a team-worst -13 in his 14 minutes. If the Knicks pull this win out of their hat, they’ll need better play from him in the second. We can’t overlook this nifty jam, though.

Second Half​

Minnesota started strong, but KAT, Kolek, Hart, and Bridges were nowhere near quitting. After falling behind by double-digits again, they clawed their way back. When KAT hit Hukporti at the rim, they’d come back to tie the game. When Hart hit a driving Bridges, they had their first lead since late in the first quarter.

After that, Edwards scored seven straight, Randle added two free throws, and took a seven-point lead in a flash.
New York kept swinging. They cut the lead to four again, thanks to another Clarkson trey and a timely jumper by Kolek.

Late in the third, though, Hart and Gorbert mixed it up. Josh beat the Frenchman to the rebound and received a shove to the floor that went uncalled. Taking exception, Josh grabbed Rudy’s leg and was whistled for a flagrant

The flagrant cost the Knicks two points. Recovering some ground, Diawara hit the fourth three-pointer of his NBA career, but Jaylen Clark hit an equally unlikely triple for the Wolves that gave them an 85-79 lead at the break.

Naz Reid started the Q4 scoring with a corner three, and the hole was nine. KAT and Bridges gave good efforts, but three straight buckets by Randle and a steal built the differential back up to 12. Turnovers (16 and counting with six minutes left) helped our heroes none at all.

While the former Knick was basking in his glory, a new Knick was chomping at the bit to prove himself. He came out of a timeout with a floater, then followed that with an ice-cold triple and his tenth rebound of the game. Randle didn’t like that and, egged on by his teammates, he hit two more buckets, both and-ones. Edwards picked Hart’s pocket for a pick-six, and that brought the difference to 16 with four minutes and change left.

Watch Randle stare down the Knicks bench after stealing a pass to KAT and running it back.

Refusing to quit, Hart hit a three-pointer to bring the score within nine. Randle answered with yet another bucket in the paint in KAT’s grill. With a little under two minutes left, Bridges missed an open-look three that would have cut the lead to eight. Edwards missed two freebies, Hart answered with a tip-in, but it was too little, too late.

Up Next​

Our heroes head back to NYC so they can face the Cavs in the Christmas Day matinee. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...losion-spoils-koleks-career-night-and-kats-40

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘I’d much rather be home with my family’

Merry Christmas, Posters & Toasters!

The Knicks play today, as is their wont, and they will do so aiming at rebounding against no less than the wannabe Cavaliers.

Here’s a very exotic mix of words uttered in the past few hours.

Mikal Bridges scored 41 points on Christmas last year – the second most by a Knick on the holiday, behind Bernard King’s record 60 in 1984.

Bridges and the @nyknicks host the @cavs on #NBAXmas at noon ET on ABC/ESPN. pic.twitter.com/EAvc51tm0h

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 23, 2025

Mikal Bridges​

On conditioning and stamina:

“There’s nothing like game shape. And I think just playing and playing, eventually you just get more stamina. Just each game, you keep getting better. I know you get a little tired and stuff. The lungs, I feel like I got pretty good stamina, but sometimes the legs, it takes some time. Running up and down, the legs start to get a little fatigued more.”

On leading the league in distance traveled:

“Yeah, I be running.”

On transition shooting:

“I think it’s just timing, knowing when a guy’s about to pass and kinda getting your feet right. But I’ve been doing this since college, the kind of stuff we’ve been working on here, and I’ve always been big on running in transition, knowing when to get the one-two feet down and rhythm up into the shot.”

On playmaking in transition:

“I think being able to shoot it off the catch or off the run and being able to put it down and try to play-make, and I think my teammates are playing the right way and finding everybody, including myself. I think we’ve got a lot of good basketball players that make the right read out in transition.”

Before yesterday’s game, Trey Jemison was in the stands with his bible, praying. #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/nMz00OzPbQ

— LoJo Media (@LoJoMedia) April 10, 2025

Trey Jemison III​

On holding Bible study sessions:

“A lot of times, people read the Bible, and it’s like all these old words and they’re like, ‘I’m not reading that.’ So I try to make it simple so people can stay engaged.

“When you go to God about something and you put him first, like, it’s crazy the things you can really do.”

On helping others:

“It’s just priceless. It’s not an NBA game, not a dollar amount you can give to match the value of hearing somebody say, ‘Hey you helped me get through a situation.’ That’s a blessing for me.”

On his improvement this season:

“Their belief in me, and they’re breaking down small, small details, has switched it up completely.

“They have a growth path for me. They don’t just ignore you because you’re on a two-way contract. They want me to get better and grow my game so when my name is called, I can help the Knicks be the best team they can possibly be.”

On the game slowing down for him:

“Now in games, it’s super slow for me. I see the cut before it happens. Now I understand, if I gotta screen this man, make this next pass, I know where to put it before he even cuts.”

On his steady growth as a pro:

“My game is growing. From my position coaches, to all my G League coaches, they are buying in and helping me set a higher standard for myself and it’s been great. I love coming to work every day.”

“Imma be completely honest, I would like to be home on the couch with my family”

LeBron on playing Christmas Day

(Via @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/5f44OZMLqE

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 22, 2025

LeBron James​

On playing on Christmas:

“I’d much rather be home with my family. But it’s the game. It’s the game I love. It’s a game I watched when I was a kid on Christmas Day, watching a lot of the greatest play the game on Christmas, it’s always been an honor to play it. Obviously, I’m gonna be completely honest, I would like to be home on the couch with my family all throughout the day. But my number is called, our number is called, we have to go out and perform, and I look forward to it.”

Medcalf: His dad is one of the greats — now Kiyan Anthony is chasing dreams of his own https://t.co/ZkS9UcgNOc

— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) December 23, 2025

Kiyan Anthony​

On crafting his own identity:

“When they talk about me, I just want them to talk about my development and how I keep getting better. And how I could rise to the top.”

On learning from pops Melo:

“I learned almost everything from him, so it just makes the game so much easier. It just makes it easier knowing what to do.”

On dealing with pressure:

“I feel like throughout this process, you could feel like you’re alone. You feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and there is nobody behind you. But then having friends like that, that are going through the same thing that I’m going through, somebody like Bronny. He is way ahead of me and already in the NBA and going through way worse, so it always could be worse. I feel like pressure is just an opportunity for success.”

Melo: "It's his welcome to college moment … you don't forget that ever."

Kiyan's ELITE postgame moment after Syracuse beat Tennessee earned him an A+ Teammate Grade pic.twitter.com/DPuJb3Ec1R

— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) December 23, 2025

Carmelo Anthony​

On the Knicks’ title chances:

“I honestly believe that the Knicks have a legit shot at the NBA Championship. At least getting there, and then they’ll have to compete, I think, with OKC. But what we’re seeing with the Knicks, man, they’re building and growing, they’re getting more comfortable with each other.”

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ulletin-id-much-rather-be-home-with-my-family

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks 126, Cavaliers 124: Robinson rebounds, Brunson and Kolek astound

‘Twas the best Christmas present a fan could ask for.

In today’s holiday matinee, the Cavaliers (17-15) blitzed the Knicks (21*-9) early with an 18–3 run behind Donovan Mitchell’s hot shooting and finished the first quarter up 38–23. In Q2, New York flipped the game with bench energy and forced turnovers, riding a Jordan Clarkson–Tyler Kolek spark to a 60–58 halftime lead. Mitchell, Darious Garland, and Jaylon Tyson powered a Cavaliers surge that flipped the score and gave them a 96–84 lead. But in the final frame, the Knicks stormed back thanks to Mitchell Robinson’s offensive rebounding, and timely shooting from Brunson, Clarkson, and Kolek. Down by 17, they rumbled and rallied all the way back to win it, 126–124.

Brunson led the Knicks with 34 points on 10-for-25 shooting and 6-of-12 from deep. Clarkson (25) and Kolek (16) gave New York a major lift off the bench, combining to go 9-of-15 from three. Kolek dished nine dimes, hit 4-of-5 from deep, and was a team-high +23. Read all about it below.

The game swung on extra possessions and bench control. Mitchell Robinson pulled down 13 rebounds in just 17 minutes—eight on the offensive glass—while Karl-Anthony Towns added 14 boards and 11 points.

Mitchell led Cleveland with 34 points on 12-of-26 shooting, adding seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals, while Garland chipped in 20 points and four assists (plus four turnovers).

The only blemish on this one was Hart turning his ankle in the fourth. Otherwise, this was a bona fide Christmas classic. Cleveland shot 52% from the field and won the paint 56–40, leading for 74% of the night. The Knicks offset that with volume and accuracy from deep (21 threes at 48%), extra possessions (12 offensive rebounds), and stronger defensive impact (nine steals, four blocks). Merry Christmas? Indeed.

First Half​

The Cavaliers jumped ahead 18-3 as the Knicks missed their first seven attempts from downtown. Spida made five of his first six shots and finished the quarter with 12 points. Meanwhile, Towns picked up two quick fouls and headed to the bench for Mitchell Robinson, who then committed two fouls of his own. Do the Knicks ever play well in matinees?

New York fought back behind Brunson, who netted 10 points in the period despite shooting 4-of-10. A flagrant foul whistled on Lonzo Ball at the 4:31 mark gave Brunson a four-point possession and briefly shifted momentum back in our favor.

Three-pointers from rookie Mohamed Diawara (taking over for Robinson) and veteran Jordan Clarkson trimmed the deficit, the Knicks closed on a 7-2 run, but still trailed 38-23 after one quarter.

Cleveland controlled the quarter by hitting 13-of-19 from the field, distributing the ball, turning the rock over just once, while New York shot 9-of-24 from the field and 3-of-12 from deep. Four turnovers, seven fouls, and uneven defense. Bah, humbug.

But then things were looking up! With Brunson resting, Cleveland turned the ball over thrice in the first minute, and Clarkson drilled two triples to spark a 24-to-5 run. The Ohio Players coughed up the ball three more times before the middle of the frame, and when Kolek turned his defensive rebound into a dime to a trailing Bridges for a bunny, the Knicks finally controlled the scoreboard.

Towns, oft maligned for his defensive efforts, played sticky-D at times. On one sequence, he stuck to Allen’s hip and worked the dribbler into an offensive foul, and when he scored on the subsequent possession, it came on another Kolek assist. Really nice bench contributions from Clarkson and Kolek, and, along with Towns, they were the only three Knicks with positive double-digit plus-minuses.

New York held Mitchell scoreless in the second, but Garland led a comeback to cut the Knicks’ lead to 60-58 at halftime. The Cavs had shot slightly better (56% FG and 50%), but the Knicks weren’t too shabby with 50% from the floor and 10-of-22 from deep. After they’d protected the ball so well in the first frame, Cleveland turned the ball over eight times in the second, which New York cashed in for 20 points. The Knicks had won the paint by four, and the teams were even on the glass (18) and assists (NY, 15-14).

Brunson led all scorers with 14, and Kolek already had six dimes. For Cleveland, Garland had 13. Here he tries to neuter Bridges:

Ethical hoops https://t.co/2JJ1Sjybgj pic.twitter.com/sO5hJX5BxI

— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) December 25, 2025

Second Half​

Mitchell and Garland combined for a 10-3 run out of intermission. After a timeout, the Knicks kicked back. An Anunoby charge call was overturned with a coach’s challenge, and thanks to a side-three by Hart, the game was an even 71 midway through the third.

Sam Merrill (who I constantly confuse with Sam Morril) got into the action for the Ohioans, trading buckets with Mitchell and taking assists from Garland. Those bums went on an 18-7 run. For a different look and to give Bridges a breather, Kolek subbed in to join Brunson in the backcourt around the six-minute mark. The sophomore hit a triple, but missed on two drives (very uncharacteristically).

Off Kenny Atkinson’s bench, Jaylon Tyson hurt the Knicks on both ends. He logged 11 points, a couple rebounds, and picked Brunson’s pocket. The role player also committed three fouls and got stuffed by Mitchell Robinson, so there.

With multiple Cavs contributing, they won the period 38-24 and took a 96-84 lead into the fourth.

The Cavs jumped out to a 17-point lead, but Clarkson got a bucket and Kolek swished a side-bomb to slice off five. Then, around the eight-minute mark, Hart turned his ankle on a drive. He shot two free throws, Brunson took a quick foul, and Josh limped back to the locker room. Sending prayers from the Binghamton contingent that he’s OK.

Perhaps the key sequence of the game started around the seven-minute mark:

• Clarkson misses from three. Robinson rebounds. Bridges misses from three. Mitch wrestles down another board, giving New York a third look at the rim. Brunson swishes a three. Knicks down by nine.
• Mere seconds later, Brunson misses a floater. Robinson grabs another offensive board. This time, the rock finds its way to Kolek for a wide-open three.
• Mitchell scores a bucket. Who cares. On the other end, Kolek races the baseline, jukes, and hits Clarkson for the assisted-corner three.
• Garland misses. Robinson rebounds. Clarkson misses. Robinson rebounds. Now he finds Kolek for a 22-footer. Knicks down by three. Atkinson needs to discuss.

See the trend? New York misses a shot, Robinson rebounds, and Kolek makes good stuff happen.

The Knicks cut their deficit to one when Brunson hit a triple; and then again at the 2:30 mark when Kolek struck again from yard. Tell me this kid isn’t built for the bright lights of New York City. Soon after, Mitchell was on a breakaway, and Kolek chased him down, legally stripping the ball before Spida could dunk. Absolutely amazing run by the backup point guard we were ready to toss into a Giannis package not long ago.

Cleveland got the ball, but Kolek grabbed a Mitchell miss and sent that down to Bridges for an easy score. Knicks by one! Garland scored, but Brunson stepped into a triple for a two-point lead. After Mitchell and Anunoby swapped dunks, the former hit a long 28-footer to cut it to one with 2.7 seconds left. Kolek inbounded the ball to Towns, who drew the foul and split a pair at the line. Mitchell’s final heave at the buzzer missed, completing the biggest Knicks comeback of the year and putting a beautiful bow on the win.

Up Next​

Down to Atlanta they go to face the Hawks on Saturday. Merry Christmas, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...4-robinson-rebounds-brunson-and-kolek-astound

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Thread: Knicks vs Cavaliers, December 25, 2025

The Knicks (20*-9) open the NBA’s Christmas Day slate at noon at Madison Square Garden, hosting a short-handed Cavaliers (17-14) team. New York has been one of the league’s most consistent teams over the past month, while Cleveland’s injuries contributed to a disappointing campaign thus far. This matinee likely comes down to which All-Star, Jalen Brunson or Donovan Mitchell, fills up the stat-sheet. UPDATE: The Cavs expect Evan Mobley to return from his calf injury today.

Tip off is at noon on ESPN and ABC. This is your game thread. This is Fear the Sword. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Behave, you magnificent creatures. And go Knicks!

* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...e-thread-knicks-vs-cavaliers-december-25-2025

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘Playing at the Garden on Christmas? Doesn’t get much better than that’

The Knicks won, as is their wont.

The Cavs got tossed, and lost.

Here’s a bunch of Kolekontent.

Brown on Kolek: "Minnesota halftime I went at him in front of whole group…'You're 3-10…you take that many shots you make some.' He goes 6-12 11rbds 8asts…walks by me looks me in eye, goes 'I made shots'…That's the nastiness…I need to feel…& everyone else does every play" pic.twitter.com/XDpI1xqaMf

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 26, 2025

Mike Brown​

On sacrifice and connectivity:

“Everybody understands what our standard is — it’s about sacrifice. KAT sat most of the fourth, but he was still into the game. You could tell, because he had the biggest offensive rebound during the game. He was into it mentally, understanding that, ‘Hey, Mitch is out there balling. I’m gonna sit here and cheer my teammates on. When my number is called, I’m gonna be ready to go.’ It’s about connectivity. Our group is extremely, extremely connected. It’s about a competitive spirit.”

On Mitchell Robinson’s impact on Christmas:

“With all the guys, you see them from afar, you think certain things about them. You think, ‘He’s this type of player, that type of player, he has this type of attitude and personality,’ and then when you get around them and you actually see how effective he is in certain areas, you think, ‘No way he should be that effective.’ It’s like, ‘Wow.’ You can’t teach that.”

On second-unit belief in itself:

“Everybody believes in each other, no matter who is out on the floor. You feel that type of belief from your teammates, from your peers. Man, the sky is the limit, because guys in the NBA are talented.”

On the Christmas comeback vs. Cleveland:

“Our bench basically won the game for us. They put us in position down the stretch.”

On the importance of Thursday’s win:

“Maybe our best win because of the circumstances. There’s all types of stuff to make this game funky, but for our guys to keep battling and not get out of sorts — there could be a lot of bickering and finger-pointing but everybody kept talking about finding a way.”

On the Knicks‘ resilience:

“Our guys just found a way to get a win. That’s what you need throughout a long season.”

On turnovers and physicality hurting the Knicks against the Wolves:

“It’s gonna be hard to win on the road if you have 19 turnovers for 22 points off those turnovers. And part of it — those turnovers led to easy baskets in transition. Give Minnesota credit, because they brought a lot of physicality to the game and created a lot of those turnovers.”

On dealing with officiating:

“I talked to all of our vets. The officials, they’re not gonna help you win the game. They’re human. They’re gonna make mistakes out there. And we, as a team, starting with me, we have to try to leave the referees alone, because we’re good enough to still go win games.”

On young players needing to be ready:

“Our young guys, they gotta be ready. That’s what this league is about. You’re missing bodies, next man’s gotta step up. And again, I thought their physicality blowing up our dribble handoffs, fighting through passing lanes and us not doing any counters — like, if somebody gets my body and I’m about to come off a DHO, just pick it up and make cuts to the basket. You’re playing for the next guy. But we continually tried to give it to that guy and they blew up the DHO or they got to us when we dribbled and took it from us or however it may be.”

Tyler Kolek has a mantra off the bench that he adopted from Cam Payne:

"Change the game" pic.twitter.com/zc7Mu3oDdT

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) December 25, 2025

Tyler Kolek​

On Dec. 25:

“I’m gonna knock that (expletive) down.”

On coaching accountability:

“He coaches me hard. You want a head coach that’s on you – if he’s not, that’s more of a problem than the other way around. When you’re a point guard, you’re an extension of the coach. If he’s trying to get his message across, he’s going to say it to you. Maybe he didn’t mean it at you, but he’s trying to get it across to everyone on the team.”

On playing hoops at MSG on Christmas:

“Playing at the Garden on Christmas, it doesn’t get much better than that.”

.@FredKatz "Do you feel like rebounders can get on a hot streak?"

Mitchell Robinson "No"

Fred "You don't feel that way?"

Mitch "No"

Fred "You don't feel like you were on a hot streak tonight?"

Mitch "No"

4 other reporters (each ask question)

Mitch (fully answers all)

pic.twitter.com/D8suCZiL2q

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 26, 2025

Mitchell Robinson​

On crashing the glass:

“When the game’s getting tight like that and you need a little energy, you gotta go crash the glass and get offensive rebounds the best way you can. Help the team win.”

On his rebounding mindset:

“My will. Go out there and fight.”

On the Knicks’ energy late to complete comeback:

“When the game is getting tight like that and you need a little energy, you crash the glass. I just keep crashing. Sometimes I get it.”

Cap Nasty pic.twitter.com/1K4RODVegL

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 25, 2025

Jalen Brunson​

On Mitchell Robinson’s passing:

“When Mitch does get it, he’s surrounded by two or three bodies and there should be someone open on the perimeter. Mitch has a great knack for, if he’s not close to the rim, getting his eyes up and kicking it out. It says a lot about him. He wants to win and will do whatever it takes. That’s just who he is as a person first and foremost. He’s very selfless, and it translates to the court.”

On the bench spark:

“We kept fighting. It starts with Tyler, J.C., and Mitch, them bringing the energy that we needed, really picked us up.”

On MSG atmosphere:

“Just our fan base, our fans are electric, and yeah, it was crazy, and I think Christmas has something to do with it. The way our bench really got us back in the game, and they got the crowd fired up as well.”

On finishing the comeback:

“It was ugly, but we found a way. We don’t want to be down 17 once, let alone twice. But it shows you the type of team we are. We’re growing as a team, and this is a big step for us.”

KAT's dagger putback around the DPOY pic.twitter.com/3p4gBdrPn4

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 25, 2025

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On Kolek’s growth:

“It’s a testament to his mental strength, his mental fortitude and the work that he puts in.”

On the Christmas win:

“Playing basketball on any day is special. Getting a win here on Christmas is special. There’s a lot of special things in my life right now. And this is adding to a special Christmas for me.”

TYLER KOLEK CHASEDOWN BLOCK ON DONOVAN MITCHELL pic.twitter.com/vPRrFj3r5G

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 25, 2025

Donovan Mitchell​

On Tyler Kolek’s strip:

“Credit to him, man. I didn’t see him at all. I don’t slow up unless there’s nobody around; he was at the wing. I didn’t know anyone was behind, so credit to him. Hell of a play.”

On the overturned call:

“That is winning basketball, and he’s been unreal, so credit to him. I knew it wasn’t a foul as soon as they called it, so no shock there, but credit to him, though.”

Good morning to the team with the most Christmas wins pic.twitter.com/gPnRVJW4mI

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 26, 2025

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...christmas-it-doesnt-get-much-better-than-that

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Preview: Knicks at Hawks, December 27, 2025

The Atlanta Hawks (15-17) have problems and I love it.

The birds lost at home to Miami last night, 126-111. Tonight, in the second of a back-to-back, they’ll welcome the New York Knicks (21*-9). This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams. They’ll square up again on January 2, in NYC.

The Knicks’ last game against the Hawks was a 121-105 win in Atlanta on April 5, 2025. The Knicks took command in the second quarter with a 40-22 run, which they maintained for the rest of the game. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for New York with 30-11 double-double, while OG Anunoby chipped in 24 points. Trae Young had 16 points and nine assists for the Hawks, but their defense struggled to contain the Knicks, who were playing without an injured Jalen Brunson.

The Hawks were a sub-.500 team last season, and it appears they’ll end up that way again.

They have lost eight of their last ten tries and 10 of their previous 15. Four of those losses were decided by double-digits. Their star guard Young sprained his right MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) on October 29, 2025, causing him to miss 22 games. In the nine games he has played, Trae averaged 20.4 points and 8.8 assists and shot a career-worst 33% from deep. The knee must be feeling better; he hadn’t topped 30 points this season until two recent games. Last night against Miami, he recorded 30 points on 5-of-8 from deep.

The issue for Atlanta isn’t that Young has missed time; it’s that they function better when he’s gone. With him playing, the Hawks own a 121.5 defensive rating (third-worst in the league), but that figure improves to 115.3 when he sits (which would rank 12th). Their record tells the tale in simplest terms: Atlanta is just 2–7 with Young and 13–10 without him. Since his return from the MCL injury, the Hawks are 0–4, including losses to Chicago and Charlotte, and scored 120.5 points per game through those games.

Offense hasn’t been the problem; the defense craters with Trae on the floor, allowing 126.56 points per game compared to 117.17 without. Trade season is open, and he sure smells like a dead man walking. But which team would take him? He’s playing in the final guaranteed year of his 5-year, $215.16 million rookie extension, earning about $46 million for the 2025-26 season, and holds a $49 million player option for the next.

Enough about that bum. Jalen Johnson (SF) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are Atlanta’s top scorers. Both are shooting about 37% from deep, combining for about 12 attempts per game. Johnson is playing a superb campaign, averaging 23.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in 29 games this season. Walker logs 20.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.

Atlanta plays fast and scores enough, but the results are middling. The Hawks average 118.6 points per game (12th) at the league’s third-fastest pace, yet they surrender 119.8 points per night (24th). Their 115.2 offensive rating (16th) pairs with a 116.4 defensive rating (17th) to place them squarely in the middle-of-the-pack.

They shoot 48.3% from the field (7th) and 37% from three-point range (6th), and lead the league in assists at 31 per game. Quin Snyder’s crew also forces turnovers (7th in steals), but rebounding remains a glaring weakness, ranking 25th overall (41.6 rebounds per game) with particularly poor offensive rebounding (27th).

Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, and Dyson Daniels are the team’s leading defenders. Daniels averages 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and two steals, and his reputation as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders (The Great Barrier Thief!) is well-deserved. In December, Daniels had scoring bursts (e.g., 27 points in a game) and near triple-doubles, suggesting more to come from him offensively.

Tonight Atlanta will be without N’Faly Dante and Eli John Ndiaye out for the season, while illness has Kristaps Porziņģis as a game-time decision.

OAKAAKUYOAK Porziņģis has had a mixed bag of a season with the Hawks, due to battling Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Look it up. My wife has it. It’s a bastard. When the unicorn–or unisnake, which I believe AllZingers prefers–has played, the big Latvian averaged 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists while shooting about 50%, but he’s only been able to suit up 13 times. That’s not ideal for what should be a cornerstone player who is earning $30,731,707 in the final year of a two-year, $60 million deal. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after the season, when he’ll likely mosey on to his sixth NBA team.

The top pick in last year’s draft is having a so-so season in Atlanta. Forward Zaccharie Risacher has averaged 10.9 points and 2.9 rebounds, which are dips from his rookie year. But on the bright side, fellow frontcourt player Okongwu is having a career year, averaging 15.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 31 games this season.

Big picture: our Eastern Conference foe, who’s beaten New York 203 out of 396 times, is struggling this season, their pricey veteran center can’t stay on the floor, and Trae Young is a cancer, rotting their team from the inside out. Meanwhile, the Knicks are the talk of the town and hard-charging their way toward the top of the standings. Ahhh. Repeat that back to me slowly, please, so I can really savor it.

Prediction​

ESPN.com favors the Knicks at 65%. As they should. The Knicks, coming off a thrilling two-point win over the Cavs on Christmas, beat these Hawks on paper easily. Add the fact that the home team could be tired after losing to the Heat last night, and the odds of success inch even higher for our heroes. The visitors might be without both Josh Hart (gtd, ankle) and Miles McBride (ankle, still), but sophomore Tyler Kolek has stepped into the void to kick major keister alongside Brunson in the backcourt. Tonight’s game should be New York’s for the taking, provided they don’t play down to their opponent. Never fear: Despite allowing a few runs and a couple of maddening Trae Young threes, expect New York to coast through the fourth quarter to a nice, juicy, Georgia peach of a win.

Game Details​

Teams: New York Knicks (21*-9) vs Atlanta Hawks (15-17)
Date: Saturday, December 27, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
TV: MSG
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky

* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...game-preview-knicks-at-hawks-december-27-2025

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks 128, Hawks 125: But if Thibs was coaching….

Tonight’s game in Atlanta between the New York Knicks (22*-9) and the Hawks (15-18) had it all: playoff atmosphere; a 36-16 double-double by Karl-Anthony Towns; Trae Young threatening to steal another win from the Knicks down the stretch; Captain Clutch heroics; and yet another Knicks youngster making the most of an opportunity. What a time to be a Knicks fan.

The Birds, winners of just five home games, came into the game having lost five straight. They lost last night to the Heat on this court, too, but there were no signs of fatigue early on. New York weathered a cold start, traded the lead 10 times, and closed the period up 33-27 behind Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby three-pointers. In the second, New York tightened their defense, dominated the glass, and pulled away with a balanced attack—highlighted by a ton of free throws by Towns and strong bench minutes from Kevin McCullar, Jr.—to take a 68–55 advantage into halftime. Brunson and Towns powered New York’s offense as the lead grew to 18, but Atlanta chipped away, cutting the margin to 98–89. And in the fourth, after Atlanta snatched the lead, Brunson and Anunoby delivered in the final minutes to seal the Knicks’ win, 128-125.

Towns had a big night, recording 36 points on 8-15 shooting (3-6 from three) and a near-perfect 17-18 from the free throw line. He dominated the boards with 16 rebounds in his 30 minutes. Fellow All-Star Brunson finished with 34 points on 15-29 shooting (4-11 from three), plus five assists in 38 minutes. His buckets down the stretch were huge.

Anunoby finished with 15 points on 3-10 shooting (2-5 from three, 7-7 from the line). He collected 10 rebounds, dished five assists, and recorded three steals and a block in 38 minutes. He’s gotta be a front-runner for DPOY. Fellow wing Mikal Bridges tallied 14 points on 6-13 shooting (2-6 from three), and eight assists with just one turnover. And Mohamed Diawara, starting with Josh Hart injured, recorded five points on 2-7 shooting (1-3 from three) with five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 16 minutes.

But the guy the podcasts will be discussing tomorrow? Kevin McCullar, Jr. Drafted late in 2024, the talented forward from Kansas has been hampered by a knee injury for much of his short NBA career. Tonight was the first significant opportunity and he squeezed it for all the juice. Off the bench, he finished with 13 points on 4-7 shooting (3-6 from three, 2-5 from the line), added eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 23 minutes. More than that, Mike Brown trusted the youngster in pivotal moments tonight. One game does not a rotation player make, but isn’t it great to have a coach who seems genuinely curious about exploring the talent on his bench?

As for the Hawks, Onyeka Okongwu led the team with 31 points on 10-16 shooting (6-10 from three) and grabbed 14 rebounds in 36 minutes. Despite the fantastic statline, he fouled out when the Hawks needed him the most. Jalen Johnson, who’s having a tremendous season, posted 20 points on 7-16 shooting (1-3 from three) and 12 assists, nine rebounds, and two blocks in 37 minutes. Dyson Daniels scored 13 points on 5-8 shooting, plus nine assists, eight rebounds, and two steals. And the villainous Trae Young recorded just nine points on 2-10 shooting (0-4 from three). He had 10 assists, five turnovers, and two steals.

First Half​

Adjusting for the absence of Josh Hart, coach Mike Brown inserted rookie Mohamed Diawara into the starting lineup. The youngster blocked Trae Young’s first drive, but missed three field goals in his five minutes on the floor. So, a mixed bag but not necessarily a disaster.

For Atlanta, Onyeka Okongwu hit a pair of triples and Jalen Johnson blocked a Karl-Anthony Towns layup attempt to help Atlanta take a 10-7 lead by the eight-minute mark. The lead would not stand. New York missed five of their first seven shots but warmed up after that chucky start. OG Anunoby connected on two from deep, and Brunson, Towns, and Bridges would all hit from yard, too. The teams traded punches and there were ten lead changes before the quarter was done.

Clearly, Brown wants to see what his young players have to offer. He’s given more minutes to Diawara recently, and his first substitution tonight was sophomore Kevin McCullar, Jr., for Diawara, at 6:40. Soon after, McCullar grabbed a Clarkson miss, was fouled, missed two free throws, and grabbed his own miss, but dribbled into a steal by Daniels. In five minutes, McCullar grabbed four boards (three offensive) and was a +5.

Thanks to a 25-footer by Brunson at the end of the frame, the Knicks took a 33-27 lead into the second quarter.

The Hawks scored six points quickly in the second. Their defense tightened up, and great switching by Bridges and Kolek forced the Hawks into a shot clock violation. Better D and more offensive rebounds sparked a 12-4 run by the Knicks, who would go up by as many as 14 in the quarter.

Towns feasted in the paint, not necessarily getting buckets but drawing fouls. He’d already been to the free-throw line nine times with seven minutes left to halftime. Around then, McCullar checked back in, hit his first shot of the night (a corner three), grabbed two more rebounds, and tossed a nice pass that Bridges shot for three. Then with two minutes to go, Robinson tossed a rebound to McCullar, who raced the rock up the floor, pulled up to the arc, and let it fly with the confidence of Steph Curry. And it went in. Here’s where someone observes, “If Thibs was coaching. . . . ”

When Bridges picked off a Daniels pass and then alley-ooped a Clarkson pass, State Farm Arena rumbled with cheers. Knicks fans travel! The place was packed with orange and blue jerseys.

The hapless home team missed seven of nine shots to finish the quarter, while Brown opted to close the quarter with a lineup of four starters plus McCullar. Bold move, Mike! The youngster rewarded his coach’s confidence by stealing the ball from Daniels and then altering a layup by Alexander-Walker to preserve a 68-55 lead at intermission. And someone quips, “If this were Thibs. . . . ”

The Knicks outshot the Hawks from the field (49% vs. 42%) and from three-point range (38% vs 33%). Both teams tried 21 threes. New York dominated the glass, 31-21, including an 11-6 edge on offensive rebounds, and they won the paint 34-24. KAT and Okongwu had 16 points apiece to lead all scorers.

Second Half​

Atlanta showed some fight out of halftime, with contributions from Johnson, Daniels and Alexander-Walker. Turnovers and tepid play by Trae Young squashed any meaningful attempts at a rally.

New York continued to score at will, with Brunson dropping two more treys and racking up 15 points in the quarter; and Towns added 11 points, thanks to six more freebies, and a few more boards. Diawara added a three-pointer of his own, which gave the rookie four straight games with a longball. Another stint from McCullar brought more tantalizing play: seven points on a driving layup, a triple, two made free throws, plus two defensive rebounds and a steal.

Their lead reached 18 before the Knicks started to rest on their laurels. Atlanta’s Johnson scored 13 points, with buckets from all over the floor, and dished out dimes. Okongwu and Alexander-Walker chipped in, too, and their efforts trimmed the score to 98-89 at the break.

To start Q4, the Knicks got silly with the fouls, allowing the Hawks to creep back within five. Around the eight-minute mark, Towns—who was already cooking a 30-point burger—played excellent defense on an Okongwu drive, disrupting the layup and coming away with a defensive rebound. Given how frequently we’ve knocked his D, we’ve gotta highlight his positive efforts. This was a big play, too, because it dampened the momentum that Atlanta was building. Hat’s off to KAT for that.

With six minutes to go and the score separated by six, Brunson, Clarkson, Bridges, McCullar, and Robinson were on the floor for New York. McCullar’s three-point attempt rattled around inside the rim before winging off, almost giving the youngster 16 points. After that, Kolek relieved him but missed on a drive, and Alexander-Walker scored from deep. Three-point game.

Young, who had been on the bench while Atlanta did their damage, returned to pick Brunson’s pocket. He made two free throws to make this a one-point game with four minutes left. Needing a score, Anunoby took the ball straight at Okongwu for a bucket and a three-point play.

Okongwu responded with two longballs. Atlanta went ahead by two with two to go. Captain Clutch evened the score with a floater, and following a Young miss, he drilled a triple. New York up by three. The Knicks fans in Atlanta were raucous. Then Kolek put Young on the line for two, then Walker stripped Brunson for a pick-six. Hawks by one, 48 seconds left. Now the Hawks fans were raucous. The fight wasn’t just on the floor, it was in the stands, too!

Brunson missed on a 16-footer, but Anunoby grabbed the Knicks’ 19th offensive board and was fouled by Okongwu, his sixth. Anunoby drained both freebies and Brown sent in Robinson and McCullar for rebounding. McCullar again!

Bridges deflected a Young pass out of bounds. 15 seconds to go. The birds inbounded the ball, and Anunoby plucked the ball right out of Johnson’s hands. OG was fouled and made two from the stripe to secure Atlanta’s sixth straight loss. What a game.

OG ANUNOBY IS THE DPOY pic.twitter.com/okFEmWNkzn

— Fireside Knicks (@FiresideKnicks) December 28, 2025

Up Next​

Our heroes travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Monday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...nicks-128-hawks-125-but-if-thibs-was-coaching

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Bulletin: ‘Who cares what people say?’

Trae Young better keep gambling, cause dubs haven’t arrived at his shores yet.

The Hawks believed they’d defeat the Knicks, only to eat a sour L inside their own arena. Cold world.

Here’s a bunch of stuff from the protagonists, including unexpected hero Kevin Mac.

Brown: "OG's an All-Star, if he wants to be. His size, length, strength, athleticism, his feel–he can do so much, he just has to impose his will every play. When he does…didn't shoot ball well, still 15&10. That's more than attainable by him nightly…was awesome in the clutch" pic.twitter.com/bbx3YaLthT

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 28, 2025

Mike Brown​

On Kevin McCullar Jr.’s opportunity:

“I just wanted to give him a chance. Threw him out there for a few minutes and he was fantastic, he earned even more minutes — I didn’t have him down for that many minutes, but he definitely earned them.”

On managing minutes while navigating the current injuries:

“I hope I don’t have to increase guys’ minutes.”

On rotation players stepping up amid the injury crisis:

“That’s what having a team is about. I feel confident in all our guys. Deuce has been out, Landry has been out, Josh is out now, we’ve got to go to the next man. Just want guys to give us what they’re capable of. Don’t want them to go outside their box. Give us hard minutes.”

On OG Anunoby’s ceiling and clutch play:

“I’ve said this to him. OG’s an All-Star if he wants to be. He, at his size, his length, his strength, his athleticism, his feel, he can do so much out there. He just has to impose his will on the game every single play. He was fabulous. In the clutch, he was awesome. Awesome.”

On Karl-Anthony Towns’ performance vs. Atlanta:

“I loved his aggressiveness. I talked to him in front of the team. When he screens and he rolls, we’re a different team because the pressure he puts on the defense on his roll is unbelievable. Because if he catches in the pocket — it’s a wrap. He’s getting fouled or he’s getting fouled and he’s scoring because his momentum is going that way and he’s so quick. He’s a monster when he rolls.”

Mike Brown on going deep in bench with injuries: "That's what having a team's about. I feel confident in all of our guys. Deuce & Landry out, gotta go next man. Josh out, gotta go next man. We just want guys to give us what they're capable of…hard minutes. All of our guys did" pic.twitter.com/Hz9NZNCNm3

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 28, 2025

Jalen Brunson​

On his approach against Atlanta:

“I just focus on whatever I can do to help my team win. I try not to make it like a me-versus-him type of thing. I just want to help my team win and do whatever I can. So that’s how I approach it.”

On officials’ calls on him and Towns and adjusting to them:

“Well, refs have meetings, refs watch film and they do their homework as well. And I think they go into games figuring out what they need to watch for. And KAT just has to do a better job of not using his off arm. And we tried to explain that to him. And he’s getting better at it. I think even the minor contact stuff that he does gets called for offensive fouls. So it’s all about an adjustment period. And then figuring out how to be effective without doing that. And control what you can control.”

On ignoring foul-baiting narratives:

“Who gives a (expletive) about what people say about you, what the narrative is. Help your team win. Do that and move on. Who cares what people say?”

"It's no surprise to us. We see him every day in practice…He's a great player. He's gonna keep doing this"

–– OG Anunoby on Kevin McCullar Jr (13pt 8rb 2st) pic.twitter.com/aUU9Y2Zbp1

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 28, 2025

Karl-Anthony Towns​

On adjusting to offensive foul calls:

“I’m going to keep doing my thing. Maybe I’ll have to change my game up a little bit, if that’s what they’re trying to tell me I need to do. They didn’t tell anyone else that, but they’re telling me that. Maybe I have to do that.

“I get the hook part. But you know, there’s a lot of other things that I think they have conversations and do studies on. I’m going to keep lifting. I’m going to keep lifting.”

On focusing on winning despite the fouling issues:

“I’m just trying to put W’s on the board. As long as I keep impacting winning and doing what I’m supposed to do to help this team win is fine. We’ll figure out the other part. I still have my own personal questions about it.”

On the officiating explanations he’s getting from refs:

“You won’t like the explanations. You didn’t like them last year and they’re not getting better this year.”

On Tyler Kolek’s confidence growth:

“With Tyler, I think it’s one of those things where you either have confidence or you don’t. I think with all the work that he has put in, his confidence has grown in the league. You see people’s confidence in this league get stripped. With Tyler, his confidence is growing. It’s a test to his mental strength, his mental fortitude and the work he puts in.”

Kevin McCullar Jr. on learning from Josh Hart and it fueling his career-high performance in tonight's Knicks win over the Hawks. @LT__Murray | @alanhahn | #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/YfAOa7rsaA

— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) December 28, 2025

Kevin McCullar Jr.​

On staying ready:

“You just have to stay ready at all times. Coach Brown trusts in one through 17 on the bench, and you just have to try to be ready when your number is called.”

On his mindset as a deep-bench player and comparisons to Josh Hart:

“Just staying ready until my number’s called, and happy we got the W. (Josh Hart) is my big bro on the team for sure. His energy is contagious. I learned a lot from him last year. And I went out there trying to make plays, winning plays.”

On the veteran leadership around the Knicks:

“We’ve got great veterans in the locker room. They always stay on us to be ready when our number’s called, and take advantage of it. Tonight I did.”

JOSE ALVARADO VS MARK WILLIAMS

FEATHER WEIGHT VS HEAVY WEIGHT BOUT pic.twitter.com/2H80S9mB42

— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) December 28, 2025

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-news/77103/knicks-bulletin-ccc

 

[New York Knicks]

Game Thread: Knicks at Hawks, December 27, 2025

Atlanta enters Saturday night on the second night of a back-to-back after a home loss to Miami, having dropped eight of its last ten and continued to struggle defensively. The Hawks still play fast and score enough to be dangerous, but poor rebounding, and defense — especially with Trae Young on the floor — have kept them below .500, even as Jalen Johnson breaks out and Onyeka Okongwu posts career numbers. New York arrives as the deeper, more consistent team, well-positioned to take advantage of Atlanta’s fatigue and defensive vulnerabilities.

Tip-off is 8:00pm EST on MSG Network. This is your game thread. This is Peachtree Hoops. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Imagine yourself as a well-mannered individual and proceed accordingly. And go Knicks!

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/.../game-thread-knicks-at-hawks-december-27-2025

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks Week Preview: Dec. 28 – Jan. 3

This is a little late, folks. If the delay has caused you to not properly plan your Knicks-related TV-watching time, forgive me. I can relate to the struggle for the living room’s boob tube. ESPN.com sets the odds of me watching an entire day’s worth of the Twilight Zone marathon at 26%.

Monday, Dec 29 @ New Orleans Pelicans – 8:00 PM (MSG)​

The Knicks (22-9) look to stay hot on the road as they visit a struggling Pelicans squad (8-25) at the Smoothie King Center. What do you think: is that the worst name for an arena? I smell a poll (…not a pole, wiseass).

New York has won eight of their last ten games and ranks third in the league in scoring at 120.5 PPG. The Pelicans? Woof. New head coach James Borrego hasn’t turned things around since replacing Willie Green, who was fired after a dismal 2-10 start. The last-place Pels struggle across the board—they rank 28th for defense despite rating sixth in the league for steals—and two of their leading scorers, Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole, now come off the bench. This should be an excellent opportunity for the Knicks to take a huge lead early and then let the youngsters get in some reps. Watch it tonight on MSG.

Wednesday, Dec 31 @ San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM (MSG)​

Much to the chagrin of Mrs. Richardson and her New Year’s plans, the Knicks close out 2025 in San Antonio against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. In this rematch of the Emirates NBA Cup game—which New York won, by the way—the Thunder Killers will be looking for revenge. Powered by Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Devin Vassell, these post-Popovich Spurs sit second in the west, trailing the team they’ve beaten thrice. Fun fact: the Timberwolves and Sixers are the only other teams to defeat OKC this season.

Playing the third game of a short road trip, the Knicks will need major effort across the board to beat these dudes a second time. Game’s on MSG.

Friday, Jan 2 vs Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 PM (MSG)​

The Knicks return home to MSG for their first game of 2026 against Trae Young and the Hawks. Get your boos ready. New York already beat Atlanta once this week (128-125) in a thriller, so the Hawks will be looking for revenge. The Knicks are nearly unbeatable at home (15-2), and we’re not counting on Onyeka Okongwu hitting 6-of-10 from deep again. Watch this on MSG.

Saturday, Jan 3 vs Philadelphia 76ers – 7:30 PM (MSG)​

An Atlantic Division showdown to cap the week. The 76ers have been inconsistent despite Tyrese Maxey making all All-Star bid, VJ Edgecombe vying for Rookie of the Year, and Joel Embiid actually playing 13 games. When they squared off on December 19, Philly outscored the Knicks 28-20 in the fourth quarter to win 116-107. That was the second loss of the season at MSG. Expect New York to right that wrong on Saturday. My schedule says it will be on MSG.

Enjoy the week and Happy New Year’s, Knicks fans.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-game-previews/77145/knicks-week-preview-dec-28-jan-3

 

[New York Knicks]

Knicks 130, Pelicans 125: Cap and OG outlast Zion and that fool Poole

The New York Knicks (23*-9) refuse to quit. On Saturday, they had to work hard in the fourth quarter to withstand a strong push from the Hawks. Tonight, facing the New Orleans Pelicans (8-25) at the Smoothie King Arena, the Knicks were the team mounting the second half rally. And once again, they came away victorious.

The Pels set the tone early with Saddiq Bey’s 23 points and front court dominance. Despite Mohamed Diawara’s surprising shooting, New York lost the first quarter 41-37 (the most they’ve surrendered this season). The visitors went toe-to-toe with Zion Williamson in Q2 and trailed 75-72 at the break. After halftime, the Birds kept control by repeatedly getting downhill through Williamson, but the Knicks fought back to finally take a lead midway through the fourth. Down the stretch, Captain Clutch and OG Anunoby put the hammer down, Deuce McBride hit a clutch bucket and free throws, Jordan Poole did his usual dumb things, and New York won, 130-125.

The Knicks prevailed with by making shots, swinging the rock, and minimizing their mistakes. They hit 46-of-95 (48%) overall, bombed away from deep (20-of-44, 45%), and were nearly perfect at the line (18-of-19). They limited their turnovers (eight) while piling up 35 assists.

Jalen Brunson led the scoring with 28 points on 10-of-23 and 5-of-10 from deep, plus a 10:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Anunoby had 23 points and 11 rebounds, made his six freebies, and posted a team-best +16 despite shooting 1-of-8 from deep.

Rookie Mohamed Diawara started again and had a first-half heater. He finished with a career-high 18 points in 18 minutes on 7-of-9 and a perfect 4-of-4 from three. Karl-Anthony Towns was the third Knick to log a double-double (12 points, 12 boards, four assists, two blocks, no TOs), while Mikal Bridges played more facilitator and defender than scorer (six points on five shots, 10 assists, plus two steals).

New York got 43 bench points, led by Miles McBride’s 14 and solid two-way minutes from Jordan Clarkson (nine points, +9) and Tyler Kolek (seven points, five assists, +4). In total, Brown played 12 guys and all of them, save Hukporti, scored. It was a smorgasbord of Knickerbockers!

For the losers, Bey used up all his juice in the first half, finishing the game with 26 points on 9-of-21 shooting. Poole added 26 points (7-of-14, 4-of-10, 2 blunders), and Zion led the way with 32, making all those points within a few feet of the rim or at the free throw line (10-of-12).

First Half​

Some weird Louisiana voodoo was afoot at the start of this one. Rookie Mohamed Diawara scored the first two buckets of the game for the Knicks, then added a steal that he couldn’t quite put into the cup on the breakaway. The 20-year-old Frenchman’s game could fry an egg, with 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting and two steals in his first nine minutes of play. His impact was felt on both ends of the court.

Jalen Brunson missed five of his first seven shots, and OG Anunoby whiffed on all four of his. Voodoo, I tell ya. Guerschon Yabusele and Ariel Hukporti subbed in for Towns and Anunoby at the 5:20 mark. The Yabu ride continues, with little peaks and disappointing dips. He made a pair of triples (great) and turned the ball over twice (bad).

After falling behind by five, the Pels went on a 13-4 run to regain the lead. They controlled the glass, outscored New York in the paint, and shot 6-of-10 from deep in the quarter.

Without fail, somebody on the other team cranks it to eleven for a Knicks game. Tonight, Saddiq Bey stepped into that spotlight. The small forward, now playing for his third ballclub, averages 15 points per game. This evening in NOLA, he menaced the Knicks with multiple three-pointers, scoring 23 on 8-of-11 shooting in the first period.

21 points on 7-8 shooting for Saddiq Bey.

It's still the 1st quarter pic.twitter.com/hXuNroqsbG

— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2025

By the buzzer, Diawara was the top Knicks’ scorer and the Pels were ahead 41-37. That’s the most first-quarter points surrendered by New York this season. Some witch was cutting heads off chickens in the Pelicans’ locker room, ah gah-run-tee.

In Q2, Mike Brown was fed up with more of the same ho-hum defensive effort and called an early timeout. His bench players didn’t fare much better than the starters. Miles McBride returned after missing eight games with an ankle sprain and scored a quiet two points in the quarter. The star of Saturday’s game in Atlanta, Kevin McCullar, Jr., contributed zeroes across the board in his four minutes. Tyler Kolek, who had rocketed out of the Cup tournament to be dubbed the second–coming, did little in Atlanta and roughly the same in his seven second-quarter minutes.

This was nice play by Kolek, though:

During one stretch, Coach Brown had Deuce, Kolek, McCullar, Yabusele, and Diawara on the floor. Wisely, the subbed in Brunson and Bridges soon after. For the other team, Zion Williamson had returned to the starting lineup after coming off the bench for the last seven contests. His first-quarter play was inconsequential, but he hammered the paint in the second.

After a back-and-forth stretch of runs from both sides, the Knicks closed the quarter with aplomb. Anunoby, who logged a goose egg in the first period, roared to life in the second. He recorded six points in the final minute to trim what had been a nine-point deficit to three.

The Knicks entered intermission trailing 75-72. They matched New Orleans in shooting (51% to 50%) and held an edge from downtown (48% on 10-of-21 vs. 42%), but the birds owned the interior. Thanks to the efforts of Williamson, Queen, and Murphy (which sounds like an outtake from Blood on the Tracks), the Big Easies had out-rebounded our heroes 26–18 and outscored them 32–20 in the lane.

Diawara (having made all of his four longballs) and Anunoby scored 16 apiece to lead the Knicks. For the Pelicans, Bey had 26 after a much more pedestrian second quarter, and Williamson had bullied his way to 18 points. We assume Mitchell Robinson was watching the game at home with his family. New York could have used him tonight.

Second Half​

In Q3, the Pelicans kept their edge by repeatedly getting downhill, scoring through Zion at the rim, and cashing in on threes from Trey Murphy III. New York stayed competitive with ball movement (Brunson set the table for Bridges, Towns, Anunoby, and McCullar), and a timely Brunson three helped the hole from getting deeper than 10, but defensive breakdowns and transition lapses kept diffusing any attempts to catch fire.

That pest Jordan Poole had scored 10 points in the first half off the bench; post-intermission, he added seven in the third period. On the Knicks’ side, Mike Brown continued to experiment. Trey Jemison III stopped in for a few minutes, scoring two points and grabbing an offensive board, and Yabusele hit another triple to bring his total to nine.

Defensively, the Pelicans made big plays at the rim, including blocks from Williamson and Kevon Looney. Some of us watching at home began to doubt that the orange and blue crew would come back. Late in the quarter, Brunson and Bridges combined for a brief scoring burst and a couple of steals to stay within striking distance, but New Orleans closed the period up 103–96.

The crowd grew more vociferous in the fourth, with fans of both teams trying to outcheer each other. As Shakespeare wrote, Wherever the Knicks go, there be fans.

Through the final frame, momentum swung between the teams. New York chipped away, thanks to solid bench play (much improved from the first half!). By the eight-minute mark, Deuce tied the game at 106, and then Karl seized the lead with a triple. The score went back and forth from there. Brunson hit a triple to tie the game again at 3:36, and Murphy plowed the lane (again) to reclaim the advantage for the hosts.

Nice stuff from Kolek here:

TYLER. KOLEK. ️ pic.twitter.com/BOuqwszw7v

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 30, 2025

Brown kept Yabusele in late (a surprising vote of confidence), but ultimately rolled with Brunson, McBride, Bridges, Anunoby, and Towns down the stretch. Wise man, that Mike. From the corner, Deuce hit a triple, and then Zion climbed Towns to score at the other rim. Tired of Williamson’s antics, Anunoby drove through traffic to rattle the rack with a monster jam. After that, that fool Poole bricked on a 31-foot shot—is there a lower IQ in the NBA?—after which McBride corralled a Brunson miss, kicked it back, and Cap connected on a floater. 124-121, 1:06 left.

Zion’s layup with 35 seconds left cut the differential to one again. With ice water in his arteries, McBride made two free throws. It’s so nice to have him back. With time to salvage victory, New Orleans got possession and Poole—we feel for you, Pelican fans—tried to foul-bait from beyond the arc instead of putting up a good shot. He failed to get a call, bounced the ball off the top of the backboard, and New York regained possession. Ballgame.

THE KNICKS 6TH BOROUGH IS BACK AT IT AGAIN pic.twitter.com/TKshNlNQHS

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 30, 2025

Up Next​

The Knicks celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Antonio for a replay of the NBA Cup Finals. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

* Should be one more, but the Cup final doesn’t count.

OG Anunoby on guarding Zion Williamson and finding a way to win New Orleans.@BillPidto | @nyknicks | #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/1NJG61DycI

— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) December 30, 2025

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...5-cap-and-og-outlast-zion-and-that-fool-poole