Philc1 wrote:BlueKnickers wrote:Greetings, first post hereThat was a satisfying win
I'm calling this The Tyler Kolek Game
Seeing Brown put him back in the game at crunch time was unexpected, but a smart coaching decision. Our 2nd quarter was so choppy because the Spurs were pressuring from three quarters court and we were getting too late into our sets. We started pushing the pace in the second half. That, plus crashing the boards turned the game. And Tyler had something to do with that.
Glad for the kid. Always thought he'd become Brunson's backup.
Shout out to OG. He was terrific
Kolek = Mark Price
Kolek is like watching an old training drill film. Almost zero razzle dazzle, just straight passes to teammates in stride.
He feels like a throwback PG from another era.
Bottom line is the offense keeps running when he gives Brunson a rest and that's what you'll need in the playoffs to keep our MVP fresh. Seeing them together for so many minutes was a new wrinkle, but I'd attribute that also to Deuce and Shamet being sidelined. I do think Kolek and Deuce would make a solid dynamic duo.
Price was actually a little bit smaller than Kolek and an elite shooter whose game would be even better in today's NBA with the softer defenses. I don't know if Kolek will consistently play at the pace Price would pressure defenses with, but he does do it often enough already and it is in Coach Brown's scheme to push it upcourt. Kolek is vastly better off under Brown than Thibs. Our offense and players are a good fit for Kolek.
I won't bite too hard on the Price comparison, but I think he could become a starter elsewhere if we're foolish enough to trade him. He's a legit floor general who plays with his head up and who rarely fails to hit the open cutter or runner.
If Kolek's confidence blooms, he could become a steady scorer off the bench. He has good shooting form so he could shoot 40% from three at some point. We'll see.
He was confident coming out of college and he had to live through Thibs to get to this point. Probably a good experience to have to fight his way into the rotation. His defense last year was bad and now he's getting better. Like Brunson, he won't ever be a great defender, but if he's competent and can cause turnovers like he's been doing it is enough.
Brunson is incredible. Having a backup PG like Kolek is a blessing IMO. I was surprised at how many Knicks fans gave up on Kolek. I think it was always obvious he had game. I value Kolek far more highly than journeyman shooting guards we'll pick up every year like Cam Payne or Jordan Clarkson. What Kolek provides is 2nd unit stability and cohesion which is something you should hold on to IMO.
12/16/2025 11:52 PM
