December 28, 2025 — Rookie guard Kevin McCullar Jr. delivered an unexpected spark in the New York Knicks’ win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals while hitting 3-of-6 from long range in 23:29 of action. Atlanta star Trae Young did not score on possessions defended by the second-year Knick, according to head coach Mike Brown.
“He was scheduled to check in around the eight-minute mark of the first quarter,” Brown said. “I put him on Trae to see what would happen, and he was fantastic, so he earned more minutes.”
McCullar credited veteran Josh Hart for reminding the team’s younger players to stay prepared in case injuries created openings. “Just staying ready until my number’s called, and happy we got the W,” McCullar said.
Kolek capitalizes on McBride’s absence
With Miles McBride sidelined, rookie guard Tyler Kolek has carved out rotation minutes. Kolek said assistant coach Rick Brunson alerted him during a recent game: “Get ready.” The 24-year-old, who had not played for two weeks, admitted he initially wondered if the directive was meant for him.
Brown has asked Kolek to study Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell as a model for succeeding without elite athleticism or three-point volume. “You can score, you can pass, you have quickness,” Brown told the rookie. “Now defensively you have to develop a superpower for your size.” Despite some inconsistency, Kolek has earned the staff’s trust in late-game situations.
Towns seeks to curb charging fouls
Karl-Anthony Towns said he may tweak his approach after leading the NBA in offensive charges, a trend that has forced him out of several game plans early. “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,” Towns said, noting officials have not conveyed similar guidance to other players.
Road-heavy schedule looms
New York opens 2026 with eight of its first 11 contests on the road. The Knicks are 5-7 away from Madison Square Garden and will navigate the stretch without injured rotation pieces McBride, Hart and Landry Shamet.
Source: Hoops Rumors
