New York’s depth took center stage over the holiday stretch, with center Mitchell Robinson, rookie guard Tyler Kolek and veteran scorer Jordan Clarkson steering the Knicks to a Christmas Day victory against the Cavaliers. While Robinson’s contract is set to expire after the season, The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III reports the club has no intention of moving the 27-year-old because of his elite offensive rebounding and ability to complement or spell Karl-Anthony Towns.
Hart out, McBride questionable for Atlanta
Head coach Mike Brown confirmed that swingman Josh Hart will miss tomorrow’s game against the Hawks. Hart exited the Dec. 25 win with 7:43 remaining after landing on Dean Wade’s foot and did not return. Reserve guard Miles McBride, sidelined the past seven contests with an ankle sprain, is listed as questionable.
Kolek’s late-game heroics
Kolek finished Christmas night with 16 points—11 in the fourth quarter—along with nine assists and a pivotal chase-down block on Donovan Mitchell with two minutes left. Mitchell called the rookie’s play “winning basketball.” Kolek’s emergence could temper the front office’s search for additional backup guards, but team officials want to evaluate the rotation once McBride is available.
Clarkson provides instant offense
Clarkson delivered his best outing of the season against Cleveland, scoring 25 points on 17 attempts and posting a plus-13 in 28 minutes. “The times we were dead in the water, he was the one guy keeping us in it,” Brown said, praising the guard’s effort at both ends.
Bench depth shows progress
The Knicks have struggled with second-unit production in recent years, yet Robinson, Kolek and Clarkson have helped reverse that trend. “It’s all about them coming in and changing the game,” starter Jalen Brunson said. McBride and injured guard Landry Shamet (shoulder sprain) have also been key contributors when healthy.
Source: HoopsRumors
