Tyler Kolek Blocks Donovan Mitchell Windmill, Knicks Top Cavaliers

Tyler Kolek sprinted back to block Donovan Mitchell’s windmill dunk late in the Knicks 126 to 124 win, a play that stood after New York’s challenge and helped flip the finish. Kolek finished with 16 points, 11 in the fourth, and nine assists as the Knicks improved to 21 to 9. He admitted, "He wanted to do some windmill s--t, he slowed down," explaining how the chance to recover arrived. Merlin sees more than luck here. Kolek’s burst of defense and playmaking hints at real bench trust and late game utility for the Knicks, while Mitchell’s 34 points and a ferocious one handed slam remind everyone Cleveland still has juice. If Kolek keeps closing games like this, New York’s depth becomes a championship ingredient.