Knicks vs Hawks Recap: NYK Routs ATL 114-98 to Take 3-2 Lead

The New York Knicks came to Atlanta ready to fight, and they absolutely dominated the Hawks in Game 4. Final score: Knicks 114, Hawks 98. Because the series was tied 2-2, this game felt huge for both teams. When the first quarter ended, New York already led 27-20. By halftime, the Knicks had stretched their lead to 58-44. The Hawks simply couldn't keep up with New York's pace and precision. Karl-Anthony Towns played like a machine, making nearly everything he touched. OG Anunoby brought relentless energy on both ends of the court. Meanwhile, Josh Hart grabbed nine rebounds and added solid defense. Although Jalen Brunson shot only 38.9 percent from the field, he still controlled the game with his court vision. The Knicks' balance made them nearly impossible to defend. Every player knew their role and executed it. By the end, New York's lead had ballooned to 16 points.

Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby were the standout performers for New York. Towns finished with 20 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds—nearly a triple-double. While shooting 60 percent from the field, Towns showed why he's one of the best scoring centers in basketball. He made tough shots and also found open teammates with perfect passes. Anunoby was even more impressive, putting up 22 points while grabbing 10 rebounds in 40 minutes. Although some wondered if Anunoby could stay consistent, he answered with 56.3 percent shooting. His two-way excellence—scoring and tough defense—makes the Knicks extremely dangerous. Josh Hart contributed 10 points and three assists while playing tough defense. When the Knicks needed stops, these three players delivered. Their combination of scoring, rebounding, and defense created matchup nightmares for Atlanta. The Hawks simply couldn't find answers when these players were in rhythm.

Atlanta's rebuild around Jalen Johnson looked promising in theory, but reality hit differently on Saturday. Johnson had only 14 points and struggled with his shot at 33.3 percent. CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 17 points, but he shot 53.3 percent and couldn't carry the load alone. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 15 points off the bench, trying to provide scoring help. Because the Hawks lacked creation from the perimeter, they fell behind early and never recovered. During the third quarter, New York's lead reached 21 points. When defensive pressure mounted, Atlanta turned the ball over repeatedly. The departure from the Trae Young era meant losing an elite playmaker, and it showed on nights like this. Without fresh ball movement and scoring threats, the Hawks looked stagnant. Their young players showed potential but couldn't match New York's veteran experience. The series remains tied at 2-2, but momentum clearly swung toward the Knicks heading into Game 5.