The Atlanta Hawks had done a solid job slowing down Jalen Brunson through the first four games of their first-round series. With tough on-ball defense from players like Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, they held the All-NBA point guard to tough shots and forced turnovers. But in Game 5 on Tuesday night, Brunson reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s best.
Brunson exploded for a game-high 39 points on 15-for-23 shooting, adding 8 assists with just 1 turnover in 35 minutes. He was composed, explosive, and in total control as the Knicks cruised to a 126-97 victory at home. New York now leads the series 3-2, with Atlanta’s last lead coming early at 4-2 in the first quarter.
East 1st Round: New York leads series 3-2 Hawks 97, Knicks 126
The Knicks dictated the game from start to finish, leading by double digits for most of the final three quarters. Whenever Atlanta tried to spark a comeback — whether through CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson (18 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists), or some ball movement — New York had an answer, quickly pushing the lead back to 20 or more.
Karl-Anthony Towns had a strong all-around game with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists, while OG Anunoby added 17 points and 10 rebounds. Both recorded double-doubles as the Knicks dominated the paint (60-42) and owned the glass (48-27 rebounds), turning offensive boards into second-chance points.
The Hawks struggled to get into their usual fast-paced style. New York limited Atlanta to just four fast-break points and slowed their transition game significantly. The Knicks’ physicality, strong screens, and ability to force longer possession times took away the rhythm Atlanta relied on all season.
Brunson’s performance, especially his work off the ball and in pick-and-rolls with Towns, opened things up for everyone. Getting him moving without the ball early made it harder for Atlanta to focus solely on him, creating opportunities for cutters and shooters around the perimeter.
“It’s not easy,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said beforehand about guarding Brunson. On this night, no adjustment worked.
The Hawks now face elimination on Thursday back home in Atlanta. They’ll need to rediscover their speed, movement, and defensive intensity to extend the series. For the Knicks, it’s another step forward, showing the depth, physicality, and star power that make them a tough out in the East. Brunson figured it out once again — and once he gets going, he’s very hard to slow down.