Knicks vs Hawks Preview: Playoff Pressure Mounts in Atlanta

The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks are tied one game apiece, heading into Thursday's crucial playoff matchup. New York entered the season as Eastern Conference favorites, built around Jalen Brunson's elite scoring and playmaking. However, the Knicks stumbled during December and January before rediscovering their rhythm down the stretch. Atlanta made bold roster changes, pivoting away from the Trae Young era to build around Jalen Johnson's emerging star power. Johnson responded brilliantly, delivering a triple-double in his last game. Game 3 will determine who seizes control of this intense first-round battle. Both teams are hungry.

Jalen Brunson remains the engine driving the Knicks' offense with incredible scoring and playmaking. His MVP-caliber season shows he can lead New York in multiple ways—whether scoring 26 points or dishing 13 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns anchors the interior with elite rebounding and spacing, recently extending his rebounding streak to four consecutive double-digit performances. Together, Brunson and Towns form a formidable duo that helps offset questions about New York's defensive consistency. However, the Knicks struggled against inferior teams during the season, raising concerns about their playoff reliability. When locked in, though, they look unstoppable.

Jalen Johnson transformed Atlanta's franchise identity after the Trae Young trade, delivering consecutive triple-doubles and proving he's the centerpiece the Hawks need. The 22-year-old's size, athleticism, and playmaking allow Atlanta to play balanced basketball on both ends. His recent triple-double featured 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists with efficient 60 percent shooting. Dyson Daniels anchors the Hawks' elite defense, though he's still adapting to expanded offensive responsibilities without Young. Atlanta's roster changes created uncertainty, but Johnson's breakout performance suggests brighter days ahead for this rebuilding franchise.