Josh Hart's message fueled Knicks' historic Christmas comeback

The New York Knicks notched a comeback 126-124 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day.

New York trailed by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter but rallied back to defeat the Cavaliers. The 17-point deficit was the largest fourth quarter comeback on Christmas Day in NBA history.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown said his team was sparked by guard Josh Hart, who gave the Knicks a message a halftime.

"One of the things Josh said was: 'Young guys and guys coming off the bench, when we as starters don't have it going, you guys have to uplift us, too. You guys have got to hold us accountable, and when you get your opportunity, be aggressive,'" Brown said. 

Hart would later leave the game with an ankle injury. The Knicks' bench scored 46 points Thursday, including 25 from Jordan Clarkson and 16 points and nine assists by Tyler Kolek.

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Kolek was a key part of the comeback, as he hit three 3-pointers in the final period. The Knicks shot 21/44 (48%) from deep in the game.

"Our bench basically won the game for us," Brown said. "They put us in position down the stretch where a guy like Jalen (Brunson), who's one of the frontrunners for MVP in this league, can go show everybody why he is that."

Brunson scored 34 points and went 6/12 from three. He also had four assists in 39 minutes.

The Knicks are 21-9, good for second in the Eastern Conference. New York returns to action Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks.

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