Knicks 121, Hawks 105: “Wow we’re on a heater as a team.”

Paint Job: Knicks dominate undermanned Hawks to win the season series.

After losing their first two games against the Atlanta Hawks (36–41), the New York Knicks (49–28) tied up the season series with two close wins (one in overtime). Today’s Hawks were missing two important frontcourt pieces, and we assumed they would be vulnerable in the paint. Geez, were they ever. Led by a 30–11 double-double from Karl-Anthony Towns, 24 points from OG Anunoby (on 9-of-17 shooting), and a near triple-double from Josh Hart (16 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds), the Knickerbockers beat the feathers out of the Hawks, 121–105.

After falling behind early, the Knicks blitzed the Hawks with elite defense, fast breaks, and paint dominance—led by Josh Hart and OG Anunoby—building a 31-point lead by halftime behind 67% shooting, 11 threes, and their highest-scoring first half of the season. The dominance continued in the second half with more sharp shooting and focused defense.

Quoth @back: “Wow, we’re on a heater as a team.” At one point this afternoon, I checked the box score and had the same response. What a beautiful sight when all the Knicks are scoring efficiently—and notching defensive stats to boot.

For the Hawks, F. Trae Young scored a frustrated 16 points and nine assists on 5-of-15 shooting from the floor. Caris LeVert and Terance Mann contributed 14 points apiece off the bench. And what a lovely afternoon it turned out be.

First Half

Trailing 3–8 after an F. Trae Young triple, the Knicks erupted with steals, fast breaks, and sharp shooting, led by Josh Hart’s eight points and three steals in the opening frame. Yet again, OG Anunoby’s two-way brilliance anchored them in Brunson’s absence. Fueled by a 10–2 and an 11–3 run, New York built a 27–17 lead with four and a half minutes left, displaying crisp ball movement (10 assists on their first 14 field goals) and lockdown defense (five first-quarter steals).

Atlanta answered with a LeVert three, a Young floater, and a few scrappy plays from Dyson Daniels to end the quarter on a 7–2 run, trimming the deficit to 38–31. During the action, Towns briefly exited after jamming the thumb he injured in January, but Precious Achiuwa filled in admirably until his return.

The Knicks exploded in the second quarter, stretching their lead from 13 to as many as 31. With Capela and Jalen Johnson out, Atlanta’s interior was exposed, and New York relentlessly attacked the paint. Aside from seven threes, all of their Q2 field goals came in the paint—which helped to collapse the defense and free up shooters on the perimeter. Scoring 40 in the quarter, the Knicks took a 78–53 lead into halftime, and that’s their highest first-half total this season.

They did it by shooting 67% from the field, 11-of-16 from three, forcing 11 turnovers, and dominating in the paint, on the glass, and in transition. Four of the Knicks starters had scored in double-digits, and Landry Shamet was +17 off the bench. It was one of their finest halves all year.

Second Half

The Knicks rocketed out of halftime, continuing where they left off with efficient offense and disciplined defense. Josh Hart set the pace with a three-pointer and multiple assists, including a dime to OG Anunoby for a thunderous dunk. Towns continued his all-around impact, cleaning the glass, drawing fouls, and hitting free throws to keep the pressure on Atlanta.

One key sequence saw Delon Wright and Landry Shamet knock down threes, while Hart stuffed the stat sheet with boards and buckets. Despite a few late scores from Vit Krejci and Caris LeVert, the Knicks maintained control, stretching their lead to as many as 34.

Although not on the injury report, Tyler Kolek sat throughout the blowout. The camera did catch him energetically tying his shoes, however. Whatever you gotta do to stay ready, Tyler!

The Knicks entered the fourth up 108–80 and never let up, with Karl-Anthony Towns fueling the offense early and Precious Achiuwa adding inside scoring. Atlanta got brief life from threes by Risacher and Young, but New York quickly reasserted control, extending the lead to 29.

Atlanta went on a 14-1 run late in the quarter. Ahead by 21 with 2:24 minutes left, Anunoby checked out, having logged 35 minutes. Hart finally subbed out at 1:33, one rebound shy of a triple-double. He played 32. At least these guys don’t have to get on a plane and zip back to New York to play again tomorrow night. Oh, wait. . . .

Up Next

The Phoenix Suns meet up with the Knicks at Madison Square Garden tomorrow. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score