Knicks Survive Hawks Thriller, Take 1-0 Series Lead on Home Court
The New York Knicks are one win away from a stranglehold on this first-round matchup. They took Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks 100-92 at home, with Jalen Brunson orchestrating the offense and the Knicks' defense clamping down when it mattered most. New York now leads the series 1-0 heading back to Atlanta for Game 3.
Brunson and Towns Keep the Knicks Sharp at Home
Jalen Brunson finished with 23 points on 8-of-20 shooting and 7 assists, keeping the Knicks' offense flowing through three and a half quarters. Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points on an efficient 8-of-11 from the field, and Josh Hart was a force on the glass with 11 rebounds and 5 assists. OG Anunoby chipped in 14 points and played lockdown defense, including a crucial defensive rebound late in the fourth that helped New York hold on.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiThe Knicks' bench depth showed in stretches, with Mikal Bridges contributing 10 points. New York shot 47 percent from the field and made 9 three-pointers on 29 attempts, while turning the ball over just 10 times.
Hawks Can't Find Their Rhythm in the Fourth
Atlanta's Cole McCollum led all scorers with 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting and was nearly perfect from the line at 5-of-5. Jalen Kuminga added 17 points, and O.G. Okongwu chipped in 15 off the bench. But the Hawks fell apart down the stretch, scoring just 13 points in the fourth quarter and couldn't close the gap when it mattered.
The Hawks shot 45 percent overall but struggled from three at 28 percent, and turnovers were a problem with 10 total. Atlanta's defense couldn't slow down the Knicks' offense when the game was on the line, and the fourth quarter execution wasn't there. Jock Landale remains out with an ankle injury and won't return until May 2.
Back to Atlanta, Where Nothing Is Guaranteed
Game 3 tips off in Atlanta, and while the Knicks have control, the Hawks are hungry. McCollum proved he can carry a scoring load, and if Atlanta's defense tightens up, this series gets uncomfortable fast for New York. The Knicks know they need to protect home court and stay sharp. One slip in Atlanta and this thing is anybody's game.
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