On Christmas Day, the New York Knicks pulled off a dramatic comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers, edging them 126-124 after a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Game Summary
The Cavaliers opened the game with an early surge, building an 18-3 lead that was powered by 10 points from Donovan Mitchell. By the end of the first quarter the Cleveland squad held a 38-23 advantage. The first quarter ended with the Cavaliers ahead 38-23, a lead that set the tone for the game. The Knicks responded in the second, with Jordan Clarkson launching a pair of consecutive three-point shots that set the stage for an 18-0 run. That burst pushed New York ahead 47-41, and the team made 12 of its first 14 shots in that period, a shooting rate that helped secure the early lead. As the half drew to a close, Evan Mobley supplied the Cavaliers with four of their last baskets, giving the Knicks a 60-58 edge into the break.
In the third quarter the Cavaliers regained momentum. Mitchell captured a lob pass from Darius Garland that came from beyond half-court and capped a 10-3 surge to open the period. He later hit a three-pointer that capped an 18-4 spurt, turning a 71-all tie into an 89-75 advantage for Cleveland. The Cavaliers’ 71-all tie was a 10-point swing that set up the 18-4 spurt.
The fourth quarter proved decisive. Early in the period the Knicks trailed 103-86. Reserves Tyler Kolek and Mitchell Robinson ignited a comeback. Kolek finished with 16 points and nine assists, and after a late block on Mitchell that was initially called a foul but was overturned on review, fans chanted his name. Robinson hustled after offensive rebounds, securing 13 boards and keeping possessions alive. The Knicks executed a 13-2 run that cut Cleveland’s 12-point lead to 111-110. With 1:05 remaining, Jalen Brunson hit a go-ahead three-pointer, sealing the victory. The final score was 126-124 in favor of the Knicks, their third consecutive Christmas Day win.
Key Players
- Jalen Brunson – 34 points, the decisive three-pointer with 1:05 left.
- Jordan Clarkson – 25 points, sparked the second-quarter surge with two early threes.
- Donovan Mitchell – 34 points, seven rebounds, six assists; led the Cavaliers’ early dominance.
- Darius Garland – 20 points, 10 assists; delivered the lob pass that started a 10-3 burst.
- Evan Mobley – 14 points, nine rebounds; returned after missing five games with a strained left calf.
- Tyler Kolek – 16 points, nine assists; key to the Knicks’ comeback and a pivotal block on Mitchell.
- Mitchell Robinson – 13 boards; his rebound hustle kept the Knicks’ offense alive.
Statistical Highlights
- Knicks: 126 points, 12 of 14 first-half field-goal attempts, 13-2 run in the fourth.
- Cavaliers: 124 points, 18-3 opening lead, 89-75 advantage after a 71-all tie.
- Individual performances: Brunson (34), Mitchell (34), Garland (20/10), Mobley (14/9), Kolek (16/9), Robinson (13).
Game Flow
- First quarter – Cavaliers 38-23, Mitchell 10 points, early 18-3 lead.
- Second quarter – Knicks 47-41, Clarkson 2 threes, 12 of 14 shots, 18-0 burst.
- Third quarter – Cavaliers 89-75, Mitchell 3-pointer, 71-all tie before 18-4 spurt.
- Fourth quarter – Knicks 126-124, 17-point deficit at 103-86, 13-2 run, go-ahead 3-pointer.
Bench Impact
The Knicks’ bench delivered key contributions. Tyler Kolek finished with 16 points and nine assists, and his late block on Mitchell sparked a rally. Mitchell Robinson added 13 boards, and Jordan Clarkson provided 25 points off the bench, including two early threes that set the tone for the second quarter.
Fan Reaction
After the overturned block on Mitchell, fans chanted Kolek’s name, showing the impact of his defensive play and his nine assists that helped fuel the comeback.
Upcoming Games
The Cavaliers will travel to Houston on Saturday for their next game. The Knicks will face Atlanta the following Saturday, carrying the momentum from a win that marked their third consecutive Christmas Day victory.
Key Takeaways
- A 17-point fourth-quarter deficit was overcome by a 13-2 run and a clutch three-pointer.
- Reserves Kolek and Robinson were pivotal, delivering key assists, rebounds, and defensive plays.
- The Knicks’ early second-quarter surge set the tone for the comeback, with Clarkson’s threes and a dominant 18-0 burst.
The game highlighted the Knicks’ resilience and the depth of their bench, while the Cavaliers demonstrated how a strong start can still be overturned by determination and timely plays.
Highlights
- 18-0 run by the Knicks in the second quarter gave them a 47-41 lead.
- 13-2 run in the fourth quarter cut the margin to 111-110.
- Brunson’s go-ahead three-pointer with 1:05 left secured the win.
- Kolek’s block on Mitchell, overturned after review, energized the Knicks.
- Mitchell’s 34 points, seven rebounds, six assists led the Cavaliers.
Postgame Summary
The Knicks finished with 126 points, the Cavaliers with 124. The Knicks’ win was their third straight Christmas Day victory. The Cavaliers’ 89-75 advantage after the 71-all tie was overturned by the Knicks’ late surge. The game ended with the Knicks on a three-point run that gave them a 126-124 win.
