The New York Knicks made a furious start to the “Christmas Games” in the NBA with a comeback. Despite a 17-point deficit in the final quarter, the team led by German basketball professional Ariel Hukporti still prevailed against the Cleveland Cavaliers 126:124. It was the third Christmas win in a row for New York.
Jalen Brunson was the Knicks’ top scorer with 34 points on Thursday at Madison Square Garden. The hosts never gave up their lead after his three-pointer just under a minute before the end of the game.
Hukporti made a short appearance and was on the floor for a total of four minutes. Other Knicks substitutes such as Tyler Kolek (16 points, 9 assists) and Mitchell Robinson (13 rebounds) stood out in the impressive comeback, and Jordan Clarkson also came off the bench and scored 25 points.
The Knicks, who won the NBA Cup in mid-December, secured second place in the Eastern Conference with their success. The Cavaliers were still leading 103:86 at the start of the final quarter, but ultimately missed out on their third win in a row due to the collapse.
