Tyler Kolek Shines Despite Knicks’ Loss to Timberwolves

Minneapolis – Tyler Kolek seized the moment in his first career start, putting on an impressive performance even though the New York Knicks fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-104 at Target Center on Tuesday night. With star player Jalen Brunson sitting out for load management, Kolek took center stage and showcased his potential.

Career-Best Performance

In a game where the Knicks struggled, Kolek emerged as a bright spot. He achieved:

• 20 points
• 11 rebounds
• 8 assists
• A total of 31 minutes on the court

This performance marked career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and minutes played. “Anytime you get an opportunity like that, you try to take advantage of it,” Kolek said post-game. “It’s too bad we just couldn’t get the win.” His ability to handle the pressure and contribute significantly impressed many, positioning him as a viable backup to Brunson in the Knicks’ lineup.

Tyler Kolek shoots the ball over Minnesota Timberwolves’ guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) at Target Center on December 23, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect.

Rising Stock

Kolek’s recent performances indicate he’s growing more competent in his role. With Miles McBride expected to return soon from an ankle injury, it remains to be seen how his minutes will be affected. The Knicks are also considering upgrades for the backup point guard position ahead of the trade deadline, though Kolek’s emergence may lessen that urgency.

Coach’s Take

Despite Kolek’s commendable performance, Knicks head coach Mike Brown emphasized the need for improvement. He mentioned, “For a young guy, he tried to do what he could while he was out there. But we needed more from him, probably more so defensively than offensively at the end of the day if we expect to get a win on the road.”

Game Highlights and Notable Incidents

• Flagrant Foul: Josh Hart received a Flagrant 1 foul at the end of the third quarter for a controversial push on Rudy Gobert’s knee. Hart commented on the incident, saying, “I wasn’t trying to hit his knee. Just out of frustration, I gotta be better.”

• Defensive Switch: To counter the Timberwolves’ offensive flow, Coach Brown opted for a zone defense strategy in the second quarter. "We wanted to mix it up; we weren’t getting many stops," he explained. "We wanted to try to give them a different look."

Looking Ahead

Kolek’s ability to step up in Brunson’s absence could play a critical role in the Knicks’ strategy moving forward. As the team navigates potential trades and player returns, his development will be crucial for the Knicks’ success this season.

For more insights on the game and the Knicks’ season, check out the latest sports news and updates. This season’s challenges may pave the way for emerging talents like Tyler Kolek to shine brighter on the court.