Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks with an impressive 34 points as they made a thrilling comeback to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-124 on Christmas Day. This victory marks the third consecutive year the Knicks have won on this festive occasion.
The Knicks faced a daunting 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but reserves Tyler Kolek and Mitchell Robinson played pivotal roles in the resurgence. Kolek contributed significantly with 16 points and nine assists while energizing the crowd with a spectacular block against Donovan Mitchell that was initially ruled a foul but later overturned. Robinson was a force on the boards, grabbing 13 rebounds and keeping critical possessions alive with his hustle.
Brunson delivered a clutch 3-pointer with just over a minute left on the clock, helping the Knicks execute a remarkable 13-2 run that brought them back into the game after they trailed 111-100. Adding to the momentum, both Clarkson and Kolek also hit key three-pointers during this stretch.
For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell was a standout performer with 34 points, complemented by Darius Garland’s 20 points and 10 assists. Evan Mobley, returning from a calf injury, added 14 points and nine rebounds. Despite a strong start, where the Cavaliers quickly led 18-3 and finished the first quarter up 38-23, they ultimately couldn’t seal the game for a third consecutive win.
The Knicks had a remarkable second quarter, going on an 18-0 run that saw them take the lead at halftime. However, the Cavaliers regained control in the third with explosive plays, including a lob dunk by Mitchell and several critical three-pointers.
Despite the loss, the Cavaliers will look to rebound during their upcoming visit to Houston on Saturday, while the Knicks will head to Atlanta in search of another victory. This exhilarating game showcases the unpredictable nature of the NBA and the fight within these teams as the season progresses.