The New York Knicks started their 2025-2026 campaign by falling 2-3. A loss to the lowly Chicago Bulls dropped them below .500. A year later, the Knicks are back at 2-3 in their first five games, but that came after a Bulls win this time. Same record, but they got there a different way.

Of course, the Knicks very well could have lost that Chicago game this time around. Jalen Brunson will get all the love for his 38-point game, which was pivotal in New York overcoming a 19-point deficit, but don't forget to give some love to one of the night's unsung heroes, Tyler Kolek, who has shown some promising things since the preseason , is showing this year could mark a leap in his development.

Of course, Kolek's production has come while veteran and main backup PG Jose Alvarado has been out injured.…