UPDATE: The New York Knicks executed a stunning comeback to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-124 on Christmas Day at Madison Square Garden. With just eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Knicks found themselves trailing by a daunting 17 points, but they rallied to secure what head coach Mike Brown called “maybe our best win of the season.”
The Knicks displayed relentless resilience, erasing both a 15-point and 17-point deficit in the final quarter. They were down 107-91 with 8 minutes remaining before igniting their comeback. Key contributions came from Mitchell Robinson, who dominated the boards, and Jordan Clarkson, who heated up with critical shooting.
Robinson’s relentless offensive rebounding set the tone as he compiled eight offensive boards throughout the game. His efforts led to multiple three-pointers from the Knicks, quickly cutting the deficit to just six points. Meanwhile, Tyler Kolek excelled in the fourth quarter, hitting three triples and making a crucial defensive play against Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell.
“Our bench basically won the game for us,” Brown stated. “They put us in position down the stretch.”
Despite the absence of starting forward Josh Hart due to a lower leg injury, the Knicks remained undeterred. Jalen Brunson stepped up, scoring 14 of his team-high 34 points in the fourth quarter. His performance, alongside Clarkson’s 25 points, was vital in overcoming the Cavaliers’ lead.
Brown noted, “It shows you the type of team we are. We’re growing as a team, and this is a big step for us.” The Knicks hit an impressive 21 three-pointers at a 48 percent success rate, with Brunson sinking six of them, including three crucial shots in the final minutes.
The game also marked the return of Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley, who had been sidelined due to injury. Despite Mobley’s presence and Darius Garland‘s notable performance alongside Mitchell, who scored 34 points, the Knicks’ determination proved insurmountable.
Brown’s insights reflected the team’s character: “There could be a lot of bickering and finger-pointing, but everybody kept talking about finding a way.” Robinson emphasized the importance of energy in tight moments, stating, “When the game is getting tight like that and you need a little energy, you crash the glass.”
This victory not only showcases the Knicks’ resilience but also sets a positive tone for their upcoming games. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Knicks continue to build on this momentum. With the holiday spirit in full swing, the Knicks have given their supporters a thrilling reason to celebrate.