Kolek Earns Reserve Point Guard Role in Knicks’ Rout

The Knicks’ backup point guard rotation shifted again in a 135-105 win over the Bulls at Madison Square Garden on November 4. Tyler Kolek was the first guard off the bench for Jalen Brunson in the second quarter, while Jose Alvarado did not enter until the fourth quarter, when the game was out of reach. Kolek also played in the third quarter as New York extended its lead from 22 points to 29 in the second.

Coach Mike Brown said the reserve roles remain open. After Alvarado had the first chance against Brooklyn, Brown gave Kolek an opportunity in the second half of that game and said Kolek would get the next turn. Brown said he could return to Alvarado if he felt Kolek was not performing well enough.

Kolek had five assists and no turnovers against Chicago, though he did not score or attempt a shot. Alvarado missed all four of his attempts and had two turnovers. Brown said both players had contributed to the team’s past success and should remain ready.

Dalton Knecht made his Knicks debut after being called up from the Westchester Knicks with Josh Hart sidelined by right ankle soreness. Knecht scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 16 minutes. A putback dunk in the second quarter and a chase-down block in the third drew strong reactions from the crowd.

Before joining New York on a two-way deal last month, Knecht had spent time in the G League. Brown said he was not concerned about Hart’s injury outlook. Hart had also missed the team’s preseason finale because of soreness in the same ankle.