Full Breakdown
Knicks Crush Hawks 126-97 to Take 3-2 Lead in 2026 First-Round Series
4/29/2026, 1:25:35 PM
Game-by-Game Context
The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks entered Game 5 of the 2026 Eastern Conference first round with the series tied 2-2. The Hawks had seized a 2-1 edge with two one-point victories in Games 2 and 3, while the Knicks responded with a 114-98 win in Game 4. The decisive Game 5 in New York produced a 126-97 blowout, giving the Knicks a 3-2 series advantage and a chance to close the series on the road in Atlanta.
Key Performances
Jalen Brunson led New York with 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting, adding eight assists and only one turnover. OG Anunoby posted a double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 16 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. The Knicks’ bench added 31 points, highlighted by Jordan Clarkson’s 9 points and Jeremy Sochan’s perfect 4-for-4 shooting in limited minutes. For Atlanta, Jalen Johnson recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists; Dyson Daniels added 17 points, while CJ McCollum was held to six points.
Statistical Dominance
New York shot 57.0 % from the field (58.5 % in the first half) and out-rebounded the Hawks 48-27. The Knicks’ fast-break efficiency was 13-4, and they limited Atlanta to 42.7 % shooting overall and 27.7 % from three-point range. Brunson’s late-clock execution was notable: 5-for-7 attempts in the final seven seconds, extending the Knicks’ advantage in clutch moments. Towns posted a true-shooting percentage of 73.9 %, the second-best among players averaging at least 20 points in the playoffs.
Official Statements & Responses
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson emphasized the need for focus, noting that “anything can happen in this series, so we’ve just got to be locked in for Game 6.” Coach Mike Brown praised the team’s composure, saying the squad “doesn’t panic when the shot clock winds down” and that such poise signals a “mature, good team.” The organization highlighted the collective effort, noting that “we picked it up as a unit” and that both ends of the floor performed at a high level.
Criticism & Opposition
Atlanta’s offensive output faltered; the Hawks shot just 10-for-22 (45.5 %) in the opening quarter and failed to generate second-chance points after halftime. CJ McCollum’s six points marked his lowest total since joining the Hawks, and the team’s inability to stop New York’s interior dominance—particularly Towns’ scoring and rim protection—proved decisive.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I know they’re going to try to bring a lot of force down there,” — Jordan Clarkson, Knicks reserve
- “The ball went in, but just happy we were able to keep the lead,” — Jalen Brunson, Knicks point guard
- “If someone makes a move, you've got to make another move.” — Jalen Brunson, Knicks point guard
- “I just think that their mindset was to come out and try to bully us and be physical, and they did that,” — Dyson Daniels, Hawks guard
Why It Matters
The victory gives the Knicks a chance to clinch the series in Atlanta, potentially extending their streak of four consecutive second-round appearances—the longest since their 1991-2000 run. The dominant performance also underscores New York’s status as a top-ten team on both offense and defense this postseason.
What’s Next
Game 6 shifts to Atlanta, where the Hawks must win two straight to stay alive. The Knicks will look to sustain their defensive intensity and late-clock execution, while the Hawks aim to adjust matchups and improve shooting efficiency to force a decisive Game 7.
