The New York Knicks' chances of leaving their Christmas game against the Cleveland Cavaliers were bleak once their opponents took a 15-point lead. That came during the fourth quarter when Jalen Brunson was his team’s only source of offense, but then Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson got involved in the affair. The tandem of guards quickly scored seven points before they each hit a three-pointer. Kolek got another five points to fall and blocked Donovan Mitchell, as his teammates sealed the 126-124 victory.

Scoring runs like these are why the Knicks can easily catch fire and prove their worth. Clarkson and Kolek have helped do so. This was proven true during the NBA Cup final, when both players combined for 29 points and five three-pointers to outmatch the San Antonio Spurs. Therefore, I am convinced that the Knicks are at their full potential when Clarkson and Kolek are involved during serious situations.

Today’s Hottest Take: The Knicks Should Make Clarkson and Kolek a go-to duo off the bench

There’s no doubt that Clarkson and Kolek have been instrumental in the Knicks' recent success, but there's a particular reason why they’ve earned so much playing time. Fellow guards Miles McBride and Landry Shamet are out of action due to injuries. McBride, a sharpshooter who was shooting 44.4% from three, has been out of action since early December with an ankle injury. Shamet, meanwhile, is sidelined with a shoulder injury that he sustained in late November. His injury came just days after he scored a career high 36 points against the Miami Heat.

Both players' absence was thought to be a massive setback for the Knicks and their offensive success, considering that both players are talented shooters, but then came Clarkson and Kolek, who have New York getting in a groove. What I would like Head Coach Mike Brown to do is have Clarkson and Kolek as the primary duo off the bench. Secondly, when McBride and Shamet are back in action, give more minutes to Kolek instead of Shamet. This will allow Clarkson and McBride to remain in their usual roles while giving Kolek the opportunity to play. If this is the case, then the Knicks can find a way to trade Shamet for either draft capital or bench depth.

Before You Go: Kolek and Clarkson Have Begun to Cool Down

After playing a key role in taking down the Cavaliers, both guards showed less fight during Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. They combined for five points, two rebounds and three assists. The thing is, I’m not worried about them having these types of performances because the Knicks were still able to defeat the Hawks 128-125. The team is still good, and when Clarkson and Kolek get going, they’re even better. Their next chance to prove themselves is against the 8-25 New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.