Knicks Even Playoff Series with Hawks as Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby Combine for 61 Points

Knicks Even Playoff Series with Hawks as Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby Combine for 61 Points

The New York Knicks restored parity in their first-round NBA Playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks on April 25, 2026, winning Game 4 by a score of 114-98 at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby combined for 61 points in a performance that showcased the Knicks' offensive depth and defensive intensity, setting up a pivotal Game 5 in Atlanta.

Game Summary

New York took control of the contest in the second quarter, using a sustained defensive effort to disrupt Atlanta's rhythm and build a lead that the Hawks were never able to seriously threaten. Brunson was characteristically efficient in the half-court, while Towns imposed himself in the paint and Anunoby provided the perimeter defence and scoring that has made him one of the most valuable two-way players in the league.

The Knicks' defence was particularly impressive, holding Atlanta to just 24.4% shooting from beyond the arc and converting 18 Hawks turnovers into 21 points. The performance was a significant improvement from the team's defensive lapses in the earlier games of the series.

Background

The series has been closely contested, with both teams trading wins through the first four games. The Hawks, led by Trae Young, entered the playoffs as a lower seed but have shown the ability to compete with New York's more experienced roster. Young's playmaking has been the primary engine of Atlanta's offence, and neutralising him will be a key priority for the Knicks in Game 5.

New York came into the postseason as one of the Eastern Conference's most complete teams, with a roster built around Brunson's clutch scoring, Towns's versatility, and a deep supporting cast. The Knicks' home crowd at Madison Square Garden has been a significant factor in the series, providing an electric atmosphere that has energised the team in crucial moments.

Why It Matters

With the series now tied at 2-2, the next three games take on enormous significance. A trip to the second round would represent a major step forward for a Knicks team that has been building toward a championship contention window, while an Atlanta upset would be one of the biggest stories of the 2026 playoffs.

What's Next

Game 5 is scheduled for April 27 in Atlanta, where the Hawks will have the home court advantage. The series winner will advance to face the winner of the other Eastern Conference first-round matchups in the second round.

Sources: Bleacher Report