Without Tree Young, the Hawks challenge the Knicks in the Garden!

The absences of Mitchell Robinson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and Landry Shamet was too much for these Knicks on a night without and fell to an Atlanta team that was brave enough to take off and walk away with the win despite a tighter-than-expected finish.

Quin Snyder’s men actually dominated for more than three quarters, with the defense of Deason Daniels & co to limit Jalen Brunson as much as possible, and a collective where everyone contributed behind the trio of Alexander-Walker-Johnson-Okongwu. After an even first act (30-33), Atlanta started with a score of 13-2 immediately before the break, in which Vit Krejci and NAV punished even the smallest deficit of the opponent in defense (47-60).

With great difficulties in the attack, the Knicks jumped for good after returning from the locker room, with a deficit that reached 26 points after the Hawks’ offensive and the outside address of Nikhil Alexander-Walker twice, Vito Kreci and Zachary Rizacher (68-94). New York tried to come back before being cooled off by two long shots from Luke Kennard in quick succession (81-100). The second run was just about right as Mike Brown’s men clawed their way back to within 10 points with over a minute to go. On the pride side, Jalen Brunson eventually found the skill, as did Mikal Bridges, whose two 3-pointers suddenly brought MSG back to life (99-108).

After diving for a key steal against Jalen Brunson, Onieka Okongwu killed the suspense after the last basket near the circle to secure the victory despite this chaotic final (99-111). The highlight is being won against the team that until then had the best home record in the NBA behind OKC.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

New York in the night without. Aside from the absences and good overall defense by the Hawks, especially against Jalen Brunson who suffered for long stretches against Dyson Daniels, the Knicks had a rough night in terms of skill with a measly 9/44 on 3-pointers. And in this match, the New Yorkers suffered the biggest deficit of the season, at -26! There are also such evenings.

Jaylen Johnson returns to service in 2026. The Hawks’ Grumman hasn’t posted a triple-double since Trae Young’s return. In his absence last night he continued his good habits by turning himself into a master for the benefit of the collective. The result, the first triple-double in the attack of 2026, with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and a victory! From the bench, Trae Young must have appreciated the performance.

Pass behind the back of Mohamed Diawara. It’s a sign that the ex-footballer of Chole is gaining more and more confidence. Although he only played seven minutes, his passes stood out for their intensity and commitment, with the added bonus of this night’s behind-the-back pass to Tyler Kolek on a counterattack that helped the Knicks start the Finals series. Game after game, we see him consider his role and what he can bring to the team, with this little flash of genius as a bonus. Gershon Yabusele was also able to show himself (8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist in 15 minutes), and Pakom Dadie also entered the game (1 rebound and 1 assist in 2 minutes of play).

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.