The New York Knicks started their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series strongly, overcoming the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 113-102 in the opening game. A pivotal third-quarter surge, spearheaded by sharpshooting from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, proved instrumental in securing the win. Jalen Brunson's exceptional scoring performance also played a crucial role, setting the tone for the Knicks' offensive prowess.
Knicks Dominate Hawks in Game 1 Playoff Encounter
On a Saturday evening, April 18, 2026, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, the New York Knicks kicked off their Eastern Conference quarterfinal journey against the Atlanta Hawks with a commanding 113-102 victory. The home team, the third-seeded Knicks, established their dominance with a critical third-quarter run, ignited by back-to-back three-pointers from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby.
Jalen Brunson delivered a stellar performance, contributing a game-high 28 points, with 19 of those coming in a scorching first quarter. Towns also made significant contributions, tallying 25 points, including a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line, while Anunoby added 18 points to the score sheet. Josh Hart recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds, and Mikal Bridges chipped in with 11 points.
The sixth-seeded Atlanta Hawks, making their playoff return since 2023, saw CJ McCollum lead their scoring with 26 points. Jalen Johnson added 23 points, with Onyeka Okongwu (19 points) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (17 points) also reaching double figures. Dyson Daniels pulled down 11 rebounds for the Hawks.
Although the Hawks briefly held a four-point lead in the opening quarter, they never regained it after Anunoby’s free throw put the Knicks ahead 24-23. The Knicks extended their lead to 30-24 by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, New York built an 11-point advantage on three separate occasions before the Hawks staged a 19-8 run to tie the game at 48-all. However, the Knicks entered halftime with a narrow 57-55 lead.
The score was tied for the final time at 58-all early in the third quarter after Okongwu's three-pointer. It was then that Towns and Anunoby's consecutive triples sparked a decisive 15-5 run for New York, culminating in a Bridges dunk. The Knicks maintained their momentum, closing the third quarter with an 83-74 lead and never letting the Hawks get closer than seven points in the final quarter, eventually sealing a well-deserved victory.
This opening game victory for the Knicks highlights their strong team chemistry and individual brilliance. The crucial third-quarter surge demonstrates their ability to seize control of the game when it matters most, showcasing their potential to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Hawks, despite their commendable effort, will need to devise a strategy to counter the Knicks' offensive firepower and defensive solidity in the upcoming games. This series promises to be an engaging battle of wills and tactics.
