UPDATE: In a thrilling Christmas Day showdown, the New York Knicks pulled off a stunning comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers, erasing a 17-point deficit to win 126-124 at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2023.
With just 8 minutes left in the fourth quarter and trailing 107-91, the Knicks showcased their resilience, rallying behind key performances from their bench. Head coach Mike Brown hailed the victory as “maybe our best win of the season,” highlighting the team’s ability to fight back under pressure.
The Knicks’ comeback was fueled by a relentless effort on the boards from Mitchell Robinson, who grabbed 8 offensive rebounds and led a charge that quickly sliced the lead down to six. Jordan Clarkson contributed significantly as well, scoring 25 points, including crucial three-pointers during the stretch.
With the game on the line, Tyler Kolek played a pivotal role, sinking three treys in the fourth quarter and making a game-changing defensive play against Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell. His efforts, along with Jalen Brunson‘s late-game heroics—scoring 14 of his team-high 34 points in the final quarter—sealed the victory for the Knicks.
“Our bench basically won the game for us. They put us in position down the stretch,” said Coach Brown.
The Knicks spoiled the return of Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley, who had recently recovered from a hamstring strain. Mobley’s presence, alongside Darius Garland, could not prevent the Cavaliers from faltering at a critical moment.
Despite a concerning lower leg injury to forward Josh Hart, who had urged the bench to step up following a previous loss, the Knicks remained undeterred. Brown noted, “There could be a lot of bickering and finger-pointing but everybody kept talking about finding a way.”
The Knicks hit an impressive 21 three-pointers at a 48 percent shooting clip, with Brunson connecting on six of them, including three pivotal shots in the fourth quarter. “It starts with Tyler, JC, and Mitch. They were the reason we won,” Brunson stated after the game.
As the game progressed, it became a battle between Brunson and Mitchell, who also matched Brunson’s 34 points. “It was ugly, but we found a way,” Brunson reflected. “We don’t want to be down 17 once, let alone twice. But it shows you the type of team we are.”
This dramatic victory not only showcases the Knicks’ resilience but also marks a significant moment in their season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this win will propel the team forward as they continue their campaign for playoff contention.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Knicks and their upcoming games as they look to build on this electrifying performance.
