“I want to thank the Lord for Tyler Kolek,” Brunson said on TV after his game-winning 3 in Indianapolis on Thursday night, a game in which he admittedly didn’t play well. “Playing the way he’s playing, saving me.”

Brandon London reacts to key Knicks back-up Tyler Kolek posting his first career double-double in New York's dramatic comeback win over the Pacers.

Kolek was set to earn roughly $2 million this year. The prize money for winning the Cup is $530,933 per player. As Hart scored the final basket of the game, he looked over at Kolek and flashed a money sign with his hands. It was fitting, because in Vegas, he became Kasino Kolek.

Tyler Kolek sent another message that he’s deserving of a real chance at more minutes and the Knicks' backup point guard spot.

Following up on his breakthrough in the NBA Cup Final Four, Tyler Kolek helped turn the tide with a statement double-double and a strong second quarter in Thursday’s 114-113 Knicks victory over the Pacers.

The recent encouraging play from Tyler Kolek could prompt the Knicks to recalibrate their approaching ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

With two minutes and 29 seconds left in the NBA Cup Finals between the Knicks and the Spurs, Jalen Brunson turned the ball over while being guarded full court by Dylan Harper. Knicks head coach Mike Brown turned to the bench and yelled for backup point guard Tyler Kolek to re-enter the game for Jordan Clarkson.

It was likely his best game of the season — and perhaps career. “Tyler did a fantastic job today, our young fella, of impacting winning,” Karl-Anthony Towns said. “He did that on a big stage tonight.