Each Knicks player received a bonus exceeding $500K for capturing the NBA Cup. Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and some other players have decided to donate some of their winnings to support staff members, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post writes.
“I don’t think it was a hard decision,” Hart said. “Some of those people don’t get a bonus and they’re working to make sure we’re at the top of the game, no matter who they are. We want to make sure those people are also compensated for their extra time and their efforts.”
Here’s more on the Knicks:
- Following a loss to Philadelphia, the Knicks got back on track by defeating the Heat on Sunday, 132-125. Brunson poured in a season-high 47 points. “He’s a special player. I think we know that,” Karl-Anthony Towns said. “He doesn’t surprise you when he has nights like that.” Coach Mike Brown is touting his point man as the league’s MVP, according to Bondy. “We were struggling a little bit offensively, you want to have an MVP of the league on your side. For him to score 47. … He’s capable of doing it and that’s what MVPs are supposed to do on nights like tonight,” Brown said.
- Miles McBride continues to do some on-court work with Knick coaches as he rehabs from his ankle sprain, Ian Begley of SNY tweets. He can take full contact but hasn’t practiced since the injury due to the team’s rugged schedule. McBride hasn’t played since Dec. 7.
- Jordan Clarkson is playing on a minimum salary contract after he reached a buyout agreement with Utah in early July and then decided to join the Knicks after clearing waivers. He’s been a steady presence in the rotation and is averaging 13 points over the last four games. “Immediate spark. Immediate offensive presence, playing really well defensively, as well,” Brunson said of Clarkson, per Madeline Kenney of the New York Post. “What [he’s been] able to do for us so far this season has been tremendous and that’s just who he is. For as long as I’ve known him, that’s the type of person and player he’s brought to his teams that he’s been on and so very happy he’s here.”
- Brunson has turned into a mentor for backup point guard Tyler Kolek, according to Kenney. “It’s been special,” Kolek said. “He’s kind of taken me under his wing. I’ve been able to watch him work out. … Just trying to pick up little tendencies from him, anything I can.”