TORONTO — NBA Cup prize money is not distributed equally.
For Karl-Anthony Towns, it’s a small portion of his $53 million salary. For Tyler Kolek, it’s a big bonus on top of his $2.2 million.
And it arrives just in time for the holidays.
“It’s definitely a big number. Last Christmas I bought my mom a car with the money we got,” Kolek said before the Knicks defeated the Raptors 117-101 in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday night. “Last year we were in this round and didn’t get any further. So hopefully we can get it done. It would be a nice little Christmas present.”
Another car for mom?
“No, my father wants the next one,” the reserve guard said.
Kolek played a small role in the Knicks’ rise, but will have more opportunities to help determine whether they can win the NBA Cup title with the top prize of $514,790 per player.
He had stepped into bigger minutes following the injuries to Landry Shamet (shoulder sprain) and Miles McBride (ankle sprain), neither of whom have a set return date.
McBride, who was injured in Sunday’s win over the Magic, suffered a high ankle sprain, according to a source, and was undergoing further testing starting Tuesday to determine its severity.
McBride did not travel to Toronto after leaving the New York practice facility in a walking boot on Monday.
The circumstances left Kolek one of only two reserve guards alongside Jordan Clarkson, with eight minutes and two points off the bench.
“Every competition you participate in is a great opportunity,” Kolek said. “Especially because it’s a cup match. We’re trying to win. So I’m excited about the match anyway.”
The prize for a quarterfinal elimination is $51,497, which Kolek used for his mother’s new car last Christmas.
A semi-final appearance earns $102,994, and a final loss earns each player $205,998.
That’s a much nicer car for Dad.
Mitchell Robinson had another reason for coming to Vegas.
The country music fan wanted to attend the Zac Brown Band concert at the Sphere, the venue near James Dolan’s strip.
The band has dates booked in Vegas on December 12 and 13, when the Knicks would be in town if they advance.
The show is sold out, but Robinson probably has an appointment.
“They also have a country concert, so I can go to that,” Robinson said.
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