The New York Knicks answered one of the biggest questions of their first-round series Saturday night: How would they respond after back-to-back one-point losses to Atlanta?
They responded with force.
Behind Karl-Anthony Towns’ first career postseason triple-double, the Knicks beat the Hawks 114-98 in Game 4, tying the Eastern Conference series at 2-2 and reclaiming momentum before the matchup shifts back to Madison Square Garden. Towns finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming only the fourth player in franchise history to record a playoff triple-double.
New York set the tone early and never let go. The Knicks led 68-44 at halftime after controlling the paint, moving the ball, and forcing Atlanta into rushed possessions. It was the type of composed start they lacked in the previous two games.
OG Anunoby delivered one of his strongest two-way games of the series, scoring 22 points with 10 rebounds while helping limit Atlanta’s top scoring options. Jalen Brunson added 19 points, even on a night when he did not need to carry the full offensive burden.
Just as important was the Knicks’ defensive reset. Atlanta shot 24.4% from 3-point range and committed 19 turnovers. CJ McCollum, who hurt New York in earlier games, scored 17 points but was held without a made 3-pointer after his recent hot stretch.
The result changes the shape of the series. What looked like a chance for Atlanta to take command at home is now a best-of-three with the Knicks holding home-court advantage.
Game 5 now becomes the pressure point. If New York repeats the balance it showed in Game 4 — Towns creating, Brunson steering the pace and the defense swarming shooters — the Knicks will be in position to move one step closer to advancing.
