nypost
The New York Knicks' backup point guard situation remains fluid, with Tyler Kolek emerging as the primary option behind Jalen Brunson in Wednesday night's 135-105 rout of the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden.
Kolek was the first point guard summoned from the bench in the second quarter, logging six minutes as New York extended its lead from 22 to 29 points. He also returned in the third quarter, while Jose Alvarado did not see action until garbage time in the fourth.
Alvarado had missed four games with a sprained ankle, and before his return on Monday against the Nets, coach Mike Brown stated that Alvarado would remain the backup point guard and not be penalized in the rotation for the injury. However, the pendulum has now swung back to Kolek.
"I said this before, every position coming off the bench is a competition, all the time," Brown said. "Nobody's minutes are set in stone. Jose had the first opportunity in our last game. And then I gave Tyler an opportunity in the second half [against the Nets] and Tyler played well. So I'm gonna go with Tyler. And if I think I need to make a change because Tyler's not getting it done in my eyes, then I'll go back to Jose."
Kolek did not attempt a shot on Wednesday but dished out five assists without a turnover. Alvarado missed all four of his field goal attempts and committed two turnovers.
"Both those guys helped us win at a high level [last year]," Brown said. "Tyler helped us win the NBA Cup against San Antonio in Vegas. And Jose helped us win the Finals. So either one of those guys, we feel, can help us in a lot of good ways at any time so they just have to both stay ready."
Knecht Shines in Debut
The 30-point blowout also allowed Dalton Knecht to make his Knicks debut. With Josh Hart sidelined due to right ankle soreness, Knecht was called up from the Westchester Knicks and contributed 10 points and seven rebounds in 16 minutes. A second-quarter putback dunk and a third-quarter chase-down block elicited loud reactions from the MSG crowd.
"He's a scorer. He's not just a shooter. A lot of people think he's a shooter because he's white," Brown joked. "I said it for you, I hope I don't get in trouble. He can go get it."
Knecht had been playing in the G-League since the Knicks signed him to a two-way deal last month. Brown expressed no concern when asked about Hart's injury outlook. Hart missed the team's preseason finale against the Raptors due to right ankle soreness and also missed time last year with the same issue.
Originally reported by nypost.