Hawks vs Knicks Recap: NYK Extend Lead to 3–2

The New York Knicks took control of their first-round series against Atlanta with a convincing 126-97 win on Tuesday night. Jalen Brunson was absolutely on fire, scoring 39 points and dishing out 8 assists to lead the Knicks to victory. Karl-Anthony Towns added 16 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, anchoring the defense while stretching the floor with his shooting. By halftime, New York had already built a commanding 64-48 lead, and the Hawks never found a way back. The Knicks' balanced attack made Atlanta's job nearly impossible throughout the game. OG Anunoby chipped in 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, showing the depth that makes New York so dangerous. Although Atlanta tried to battle back in stretches, the Knicks' efficiency and defensive intensity simply overwhelmed them in this critical playoff moment.

The Atlanta Hawks simply couldn't keep pace with New York's offensive firepower despite solid performances from their own stars. Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 18 points and 10 rebounds while also dishing out 6 assists, showcasing his versatility as the franchise's centerpiece. Dyson Daniels contributed 17 points and 5 assists, proving he belongs as the Hawks' primary playmaker moving forward. However, the supporting cast struggled to stay consistent throughout the night. Onyeka Okongwu added 16 points and grabbed 5 rebounds off the bench, but it wasn't enough to mount a serious comeback. Jonathan Kuminga managed just 13 points on limited minutes, while the rest of Atlanta's rotation couldn't find their rhythm against New York's stifling defense. The Hawks still showed flashes of competence, but their new identity remains a work in progress this season.

The Knicks' dominant performance in Game 5 has given them control of this first-round matchup, holding a 3-2 series lead heading back to Atlanta. Brunson's MVP-caliber play on both ends has been the engine driving New York's success throughout these playoffs. His ability to score efficiently, create for teammates, and manage pressure situations makes him nearly impossible to stop. The Knicks proved they can execute at the highest level when everything clicks into place on both offense and defense. For Atlanta, this loss stings because they had opportunities to steal a game in New York but couldn't convert at crucial moments. Johnson and Daniels will need to be even better as the Hawks return home facing elimination. This series has shown that New York belongs among the Eastern Conference's elite contenders, while Atlanta is still developing its new identity without Trae Young.