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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 25: Tyler Kolek #13 of the New York Knicks reacts with teammates during a time out during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks watched their 24-year-old former second-round pick put together a historic day on Sunday, March 22.
Before the Knicks and the Washington Wizards met for a Sunday night battle, Kolek suited up for the Knicks’ NBA G League squad in Westchester.
During the G League matchup, Kolek made Knicks history. He scored a double-double with 42 points and 11 assists. He made nine of his three-pointers, shooting 15-22 from the field.
With that line, Kolek registered the first 40-plus points, 10-plus assists game in the history of the club.
Then, he came off the bench for the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night. Kolek saw the court for just five minutes, but he was highly efficient.
Kolek went 4-4 from the field, making all of his three-point attempts (3-3). He scored 11 points, one assist, and one rebound in the Knicks’ blowout 145-113 win over Washington.
NBA Fans Erupt Over Tyler Kolek vs Wizards After Historic Outing
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 17: Tyler Kolek #13 of the New York Knicks stretches as he enters the game during the second half against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on March 17, 2025 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 116-95. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
via Ian Begley, SNY: Tyler Kolek had the first 40+ point/10+ assist game in Westchester Knicks franchise history earlier today
“He’s got 55 today lmao,” tursportsbrand wrote on X.
“Jose better watch out man,” IloveKnicks11 wrote.
“this might be my goat,” catseokmae wrote on X.
“Witnessed this in person, after his 8th point MSG was chanting his name,” kristinparis11 added.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 25: Tyler Kolek #13 of the New York Knicks reacts with teammates during a time out during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images)
via Stefan Bondy, New York Post: MSG is chanting ‘Tyler Kolek,’ who is on fire at the end of the game.
And Kolek dropped 40 points today in the G League.
During the 2025-2026 NBA season, Kolek has appeared in 57 games for the New York Knicks, leading up to Sunday’s outing.
When he plays with the main roster, Kolek averages 12.0 minutes per game. Only taking 4.1 shots per game, Kolek averages 42.2% from the field. He knocks down 35.8% of his threes on 1.9 attempts per game.
After averaging 2.0 points and 1.7 assists for the Knicks last year, Kolek is putting up 4.3 points per game and dishing out 2.8 assists per game. Not a massive jump from his rookie season, but improvements nonetheless.
“He needs more playing time, I like him more than Jose,” armorman44 wrote
“This is what Deuce was doing before he became a solid rotation guy. Tyler will be ready for a secure spot in the rotation soon..” bonzosama said.
“Kolek is an NBA player, just needs consistent opportunity,” K1NGS1MMONS said.
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 09: Tyler Kolek #13 of the New York Knicks controls the ball against the LA Clippers in the second half at Intuit Dome on March 09, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Kolek’s big day will go down in the Knicks’ history books.
Will it help lead to more opportunities down the stretch? It might too late for the Knicks to experiment further, with the playoffs around the corner, but it’s surely a great sign for the future.
Kolek is a former 34th overall pick out of Maquette.
He signed a four-year deal with the Knicks. He is currently in year two, making a reported $2.19 million. Next year, he’s on the books for $2.29 million, while having a team option on the back end, which is worth $2.48 million.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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