Playoffs: Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns Start Strong for New York, Brief Appearance for Risacher
Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles as Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) defends during the second half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks took a crucial lead in their first-round series by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 113-102 in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns led the offensive charge, allowing New York to get off to a perfect start in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
A Blazing Start from Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson set the tone from the opening minutes, scoring 19 points in the first quarter by making his first eight shot attempts, including three three-pointers. The Knicks point guard finished the game with 28 points, immediately establishing his dominance in this series.
Mikal Bridges was also effective early on, contributing the team’s other seven points in the first quarter. Despite this offensive explosion, the Hawks managed to stay in the game through their transition play and ability to score near the rim.
Karl-Anthony Towns, quiet in the first half, took over in the second half with 19 of his 25 points coming after the break. The All-Star center also contributed with eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals, overpowering Atlanta’s less physically imposing frontcourt.
New York’s Defense Makes the Difference
The key to this victory was the Knicks’ defensive intensity in the second half. Mike Brown’s squad particularly disrupted the Hawks’ four ball-handlers – Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum, and Dyson Daniels – who accounted for nine of their team’s twelve turnovers.
Josh Hart stood out in an expanded defensive role, guarding Jalen Johnson while pulling down 14 rebounds. This defensive versatility, combined with OG Anunoby (19 points) and Mikal Bridges (11 points), allowed the Knicks to neutralize Atlanta’s fluid offensive system.
A third-quarter incident involving CJ McCollum, who kicked Jalen Brunson during a shot attempt, earned the Hawks guard a technical foul. McCollum said after the game: “I went for a shot and Jalen thought we were in a Broadway show. He flopped until they reviewed the video.”
All five Knicks starters finished in double figures, reflecting the team’s offensive balance. New York shot 48% from the field and from three-point range (12 of 25), while dominating the boards 45-40. Game 2 will take place on Monday, April 20 at 8:20 PM at Madison Square Garden.
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