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Tyler Kolek gets backup point guard nod in Knicks’ blowout victory
The Knicks beat the Bulls 135-105, and Tyler Kolek was first off the bench to replace Jalen Brunson at point guard. The choice signals that the backup role remains contested, despite coach Mike Brown previously saying Jose Alvarado would keep the spot after returning from an ankle sprain.
Kolek played in the second and third quarters, recording five assists without scoring or turning the ball over; Alvarado appeared only in garbage time and missed all four shots he took. Brown said he would continue choosing between them based on performance. Dalton Knecht also made his Knicks debut, scoring 10 points and grabbing seven rebounds in 16 minutes after Josh Hart sat out with ankle soreness.
In short
- Kolek got the first backup point guard minutes against Chicago.
- Brown says the role is an ongoing competition.
- Knecht debuted with 10 points and seven rebounds.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Kolek’s first appearance as Brunson’s replacement suggests the Knicks should give him a meaningful chance to earn the backup role. He supplied five assists without a turnover, and Brown has said selection will depend on performance, so rewarding current form could strengthen competition and the team’s playmaking.
The case against
One game, especially a blowout, offers limited evidence for changing the rotation, and Kolek did not score. Alvarado had previously been promised the role after returning from injury; keeping that commitment while judging both players across a larger sample could provide consistency and a fairer assessment.