A New Chapter in the Knicks-Hawks Rivalry
On a day dedicated to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the New York Knicks sought redemption against their longtime rivals, the Atlanta Hawks. Led by Jalen Brunson’s impressive 34-point performance, the Knicks secured a hard-fought 119-110 victory.
Revenge in the Air
For the Knicks, the game was an opportunity to exact revenge against the team that eliminated them from the playoffs in 2021. Trae Young, the Hawks’ talented point guard, has been a particular thorn in the side of the Knicks. However, on this occasion, Brunson outshone his counterpart, shooting 67% from the field and dishing out six assists.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Mikal Bridges (26 points) and Josh Hart (14 points, 9 rebounds) played crucial roles in the Knicks’ victory. Their contributions helped offset the inconsistent shooting of Karl-Anthony Towns, who returned from injury after a two-game absence.
Hawks’ Turnover Woes
The Hawks, despite their impressive talent, struggled with turnovers, committing 24 in total. Young, although scoring 27 points, was responsible for nine of those turnovers. De’Andre Hunter (22 points) and Jalen Johnson (11 points, 12 rebounds) provided some bright spots for the Hawks, but ultimately, the team’s mistakes proved costly.
Game of Runs
The game was characterized by distinct periods of dominance, with the Hawks initially taking control before the Knicks staged a comeback. A resurgent third quarter, led by Brunson and Bridges, propelled the Knicks to a significant lead. The Hawks fought hard to recover but ultimately fell short.
Key Takeaways
* Jalen Brunson’s performance earned him a spot in the Knicks’ top six players with 30+ points in a game.
* Trae Young became the third player in NBA history with 200 consecutive games with 5+ assists.
* The Knicks’ victory marked a crucial win in their eight-game series, with seven home games and one away game against the Brooklyn Nets.