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LAST CHANCE: SEE HOW THE KNICKS STUNNED CLEVELAND IN A HISTORIC HOLIDAY THRILLER

Jalen Brunson’s 34 points and Tyler Kolek’s spark off the bench led the Knicks to a wild 126-124 Christmas comeback over the Cavs.

Last Chance: See How the Knicks Stunned Cleveland in a Historic Holiday Thriller
New York Knicks Cement Elite Status with 21-9 Record After Win

The New York Knicks were way behind, like 17 points, in the fourth quarter, but they pulled off a major comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day. They won 126-124, making their season record 21-9.

New York struggled to guard Cleveland throughout much of the game. It looked really bad when they were down 17 early in the fourth. But instead of giving up, they bounced back, just like they have all season.

Jalen Brunson, who was way in the negative earlier in the game, really stepped it up in the fourth. He scored 13 points, hitting 3 of 4 three-pointers, ending with 34 points. He showed why he got Clutch Player of the Year last season.

Brunson started slow, but he really came through when it mattered most. The captain did it again at the most important time.

The Knicks' bench really changed the game's momentum. The guys coming off the bench, even without Miles McBride and Landry Shamet, were key. Tyler Kolek, who's been playing great recently, was super important in the comeback, sinking a couple of important shots to cut Cleveland's lead in the fourth.

Kolek had 16 points and nine assists off the bench. Also, he had the best plus-minus on the team at +24, killing it when he was on the court and helping them catch up.

Jordan Clarkson also had his best game this season, coming off the bench. He scored a season-high 25 points and hit five of 10 three-pointers, providing a lift when New York was struggling.

Mitchell Robinson's rebounding was amazing, and without those offensive rebounds, they wouldn't have had the extra chances needed to come back. Robinson didn't score, but he grabbed 13 rebounds (eight offensive) in just 17 minutes, including eight in the fourth quarter.

The Knicks' defence was still a bit slow.

New York's defence put them in that hole to begin with. They let Cleveland score 38 points in both the first and third quarters, struggling with the three-point shot.

Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell were causing the Knicks the most trouble. Garland ended with 20 points and 10 assists, and Mitchell led the Cavs with 34 points.

Thankfully, the Knicks were able to shut them down late and score a bunch on offence. However, they'll need to tighten up their defence going forward if they don't want to keep making these big comebacks.

Overall:

The Knicks showed their usual fight and toughness, and it led to a big home win. Now, New York hits the road to play the Atlanta Hawks.

LEBRON JAMES CONFIRMS COACHES’ MANDATE TO PLAY OFF-BALL DESPITE MOUNTING LAKERS LOSSES

The Lakers finish December as one of the NBA's worst teams. We analyse LeBron's adjusted role and the 128-106 Pistons loss.

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LeBron James reflects on 41st birthday loss

Lakers head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James #23 watch the game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025.

After the Lakers got crushed by the Detroit Pistons, 128-106, on his 41st birthday, LeBron James had a lot to say.

The most surprising thing he said was that the Lakers' coaches told him to play off the ball this season.

“I haven’t really been on the ball much,” James told reporters after the game. He finished with 17 points, four assists, four rebounds, and five turnovers, shooting 6-for-17.

“If the coaches want me to play on-ball, I can do that. But I’ve mostly been off the ball this year.”

Austin Reaves Being Hurt Matters

James said he could handle the ball more with Austin Reaves injured, but JJ Redick hasn’t asked him to.

"I can get back into it, but you have to get into the rhythm," he said. AR and Luka [Doncic] usually run the offence, and Marcus [Smart] is helping out now.

When asked if he cares either way, James said, Nah. Whatever helps us win. It doesn't matter.”

LeBron James: Lowest USG% Ever

The stats back up what James is saying.

In the first 15 games, his usage rate (USG%) is 26.1, the lowest in his 23-year career. It was even lower in November (22.1%) when he was getting used to being the third option after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Last season, James's USG% was 29.1, 28.5 the year before, and 32.2 in 2022-23. In 2020, when the Lakers won the title, it was 30.8 in the regular season and 29.6 in the playoffs.

Also, his points plus assists are at a career low. When James is playing, he assists on 37.4% of the Lakers' baskets, down more than five points from last year.

Lakers Offence Struggles

Interestingly, James is talking about his role right after Redick said the offence has been disorganised since James came back in mid-November.

Since Bron's been back, our offence hasn't been as organised, Redick said this week. Too many random plays. That's on me.

Earlier in the season, the Lakers struggled on defence. Now, their offence is also struggling. In 12 December games, they're averaging just 112.4 points, down from 120.6 in November. Their assists have also dropped from 26.1 to 22.8.

The Lakers (5-7) were among the worst teams in the league in December, ranking 22nd in WIN%, 24th in points, last in assists, and 26th in defensive rating. They'll try to turn things around against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

UNDERDOG ALABAMA TARGETS A ROSE BOWL UPSET AGAINST UNDEFEATED INDIANA NOW

Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza leads No. 1 Indiana against Ty Simpson and Alabama in a historic Rose Bowl CFP quarterfinal clash.

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Indiana and Alabama battle in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.

Get ready for a clash of titans as Alabama and Indiana battle it out in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl this Thursday in Pasadena, California.

Even though Alabama has a rich history, it's coming into this game as the underdog, ready to prove its worth.

Indiana, once the program with the most losses in college football, is now the top seed and the only undefeated team, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Talk about a turnaround.

"I want to shut down all quarterbacks, Heisman winner or not," said Alabama's defensive coordinator, Kane Wommack.

The winner of the Indiana-Alabama game will face either Texas Tech or Oregon in the Peach Bowl on January 9 in Atlanta.

Indiana isn't just trying to keep their amazing season going. They're trying to shake things up after last year's playoff, where all four first-round winners beat the top seeds.

Would I want to play earlier? Probably, to be honest, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. But that's not how it is. We're excited to play.

Mendoza throws for an average of 229.2 yards per game, with 33 touchdowns and only six interceptions. Plus, he's run in six touchdowns himself.

But Alabama's defence has been tough on quarterbacks this season, ranking as one of the best in stopping passing plays, allowing only 168.4 yards per game.

Recently, Alabama is fresh off a 34-24 win against Oklahoma in the first round on December 19.

Alabama's quarterback, Ty Simpson, had some struggles but bounced back against Oklahoma. He averages 250 passing yards per game, with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.

The biggest difference between the teams is their running game. Indiana is among the best in the nation, averaging 221.2 rushing yards per game. Alabama, on the other hand, has struggled, with only 109.9 rushing yards per game.

"I see how well (the Hoosiers') players work together," Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said. They just make plays. When they have a chance, they make it happen.

Indiana has only been to the Rose Bowl once, losing to USC back in 1967.

Alabama is making its ninth appearance, with a record of 5-2-1. Their last time here was two seasons ago, losing to Michigan in overtime in the CFP semifinal. The Crimson Tide also won the 2009 national title against Texas in this stadium.

Cignetti was Alabama's wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator during that championship run.

While Cignetti knows all about Alabama's past, DeBoer is familiar with what Cignetti has achieved with Indiana. DeBoer was the Hoosiers' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach back in 2019.

Mendoza should have one of his best receivers back this Thursday.

Omar Cooper Jr., who got hurt early in the Big Ten title game, is ready to go for the Rose Bowl. Cooper leads Indiana with 58 catches for 804 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Alabama is also getting a key player back, with LT Overton returning to the field. Overton missed the Southeastern Conference championship game and the first-round win against Oklahoma due to sickness.

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