Christmas Miracle at the Garden: Brunson Leads Historic Knicks Comeback Over Cavaliers

Madison Square Garden has seen plenty of iconic moments, but what the New York Knicks delivered on Christmas night will live long in holiday lore. Down 17 points in the fourth quarter, New York staged a stunning rally to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 126–124, securing their third straight Christmas Day victory in dramatic fashion.

At the heart of it all was Jalen Brunson, who once again proved why he is the engine of this Knicks team. Brunson poured in 34 points and drilled the go-ahead three-pointer with just over a minute remaining, punctuating a comeback that seemed improbable even by holiday standards.

A Fourth-Quarter Surge That Changed Everything

Early in the final period, Cleveland appeared firmly in control, stretching its lead to 103–86. What followed, however, was a momentum swing fueled by New York’s bench — and relentless energy.

Rookie Tyler Kolek ignited the rally with confidence and poise beyond his years, finishing with 16 points and nine assists. His defensive stand late in the game — a block on Donovan Mitchell that was initially ruled a foul before being overturned — brought the Garden crowd to its feet, chanting his name.

Alongside him, Mitchell Robinson controlled the paint, extending possessions with relentless offensive rebounding. Robinson grabbed 13 boards, several of them crucial in the final minutes, wearing down Cleveland’s interior defense.

Reserve scorer Jordan Clarkson added 25 points and provided timely shot-making, especially during the Knicks’ decisive 13–2 run that erased a 12-point Cavs lead and flipped the game.

Brunson’s Clutch Gene on Full Display

As the Knicks closed the gap, Brunson took command. He, Kolek, and Clarkson all connected from deep during the decisive stretch, but it was Brunson’s triple with 1:05 remaining that gave New York a 113–111 edge — their first lead of the fourth quarter.

It was vintage Brunson: calm under pressure, balanced, and ruthless when it mattered most.

Cleveland’s Fast Start, Painful Finish

Cleveland looked dominant early. Behind Mitchell’s 10 first-quarter points, the Cavaliers sprinted to an 18–3 opening run and led 38–23 after one. Mitchell finished with 34 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Darius Garlandchipped in 20 points and 10 assists.

The Cavs regained control in the third quarter, highlighted by a spectacular lob from Garland — thrown from beyond halfcourt — that Mitchell hammered home. An 18–4 surge turned a tied game into an 89–75 Cleveland advantage.

But the energy drained late. Despite Evan Mobley returning from a five-game absence to post 14 points and nine rebounds, Cleveland couldn’t withstand New York’s late onslaught, squandering a chance at a third straight win.

What This Win Means Going Forward

For the Knicks, this was more than a regular-season victory. It was a statement about resilience, depth, and belief — especially on a national stage. Winning three straight Christmas Day games only adds to the sense that this group thrives under bright lights.

New York now turns its attention to a road matchup in Atlanta, while Cleveland looks to regroup quickly as it travels to Houston.

One thing is certain: on Christmas night, the Knicks delivered a comeback that felt like a gift to their fans — and a warning to the rest of the NBA.