NEW YORK. The New York Knicks dominated the Atlanta Hawks 126-97 in the NBA playoffs, led by Jalen Brunson's 39 points. With this victory, the Knicks take a 3-2 series lead in the first round of the Eastern Conference and will have the first chance to clinch in Game 6 in Atlanta.
The New York Knicks came out determined from the opening tip. The New York squad found offensive rhythm immediately, converting eight of their first 12 shots and opening up leads late in the first quarter with a 9-0 run. That acceleration allowed them to close the period with a 35-22 advantage and made their dominance clear from the opening minutes.
The Atlanta Hawks tried to respond, but faced a very solid version of the Knicks on both ends of the floor. Jalen Brunson began to take over the game with his ability to score in transition and control the pace. The point guard hit the final two baskets of an 8-0 run in the second quarter that pushed the lead to 59-37.
At halftime, the New York Knicks already led 64-48 after shooting an excellent 58.5% from the field. Beyond their accuracy, the New York squad imposed physical superiority and clearly controlled the glass, one of the keys to this NBA victory.
https://youtu.be/DAc9H88EsdM?si=WyfSwPcF7clTDTus
The Atlanta Hawks found no consistent solutions after the break. Although Jalen Johnson kept the visitors afloat with 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and Dyson Daniels added 17 points, the Georgia squad never managed to break through the double-digit barrier in the second half.
With an 18-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, the New York Knicks put the game away. Jalen Brunson delivered the final blow with a three-point play followed by a three-pointer that sparked a 12-0 run to make it 110-82. The point guard finished with 39 points, coming close to another 40-point playoff performance.
Collective effort also supported the Knicks' leader. OG Anunoby added 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 16 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in a very complete performance. New York dominated the glass 48-27 and also punished the Hawks on the fast break with a 13-4 advantage in transition points.
For the Atlanta Hawks, CJ McCollum, who was decisive in the previous two victories, was limited to just six points. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu each added 16, but it wasn't enough to compete down the stretch.
The New York Knicks have strung together two dominant victories after falling behind 2-1 in the series and are one win away from reaching the second round for the fourth consecutive season. The Atlanta Hawks, forced to respond at home, will fight for their playoff survival in Game 6.