In a must-win Game 4 on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at State Farm Arena, the New York Knicks delivered a commanding performance, stifling the Atlanta Hawks defensively and cruising to a 114-98 victory.
The win tied the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at two games apiece after the Hawks had taken a 2-1 lead with back-to-back narrow victories.
Balanced Attack and Towns’ Historic Night Lead the Way
Karl-Anthony Towns starred for the Knicks with his first postseason triple-double: 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. He punished Atlanta’s smaller lineups in the paint and facilitated effectively, becoming just the fourth Knicks player to record a playoff triple-double.
OG Anunoby added 22 points (shooting efficiently, including strong play from beyond the arc) and provided another double-double performance.
The Knicks showcased balance across the roster, with strong contributions from role players and the bench. Jalen Brunson, while not the leading scorer, continued his steady playmaking amid physical defense.
New York shot 49% from the field overall and controlled the glass and tempo, outrebounding Atlanta while forcing turnovers. Their defense locked down the Hawks, limiting fast-break opportunities and contesting shots effectively.
Hawks’ Offense Sputters at Home
The Hawks, hoping to take a commanding 3-1 lead at home, struggled mightily on offense.
They posted their worst playoff outing to date, plagued by poor shooting (especially from three), turnovers, and stagnation. CJ McCollum led Atlanta with 17 points, but the team lacked consistent scoring threats.
Jalen Johnson had a frustrating night early (shooting just 3-of-10 at one point) before adding some late sparks with an and-one and a triple. Nickeil Alexander-Walker started hot with early threes but couldn’t sustain momentum.
I’m Atlanta committed numerous turnovers in the first half (12 by halftime) and didn’t tally their first fast-break points until late in a game that was already decided.45
Scoring by Quarter (approximate flow from reports):
- Knicks built leads progressively, taking a 58-44 halftime advantage.
- They pushed the margin to 19+ by late third (86-65 entering fourth).
- Both teams emptied benches in the final minutes as New York coasted.
Key Themes and Turning Points
- Physicality and Defense: The Knicks matched (and exceeded) Atlanta’s intensity. They attacked the paint early, switched aggressively, and benefited from bench energy (e.g., Jose Alvarado). Atlanta’s offense bogged down into contested jumpers.
- Early Momentum: Both teams started aggressively, with minor on-court skirmishes (including one involving Mo Gueye and Alvarado). New York quickly pulled ahead as Towns and Anunoby heated up.
- Hawks Comeback Attempts: Atlanta trimmed the deficit to eight early in the third but couldn’t sustain runs. Turnovers and missed opportunities prevented any serious rally.
Series Context
- Game 1: Knicks 113, Hawks 102 (Brunson and Towns dominated).
- Game 2: Hawks 107, Knicks 106 (CJ McCollum’s late heroics).
- Game 3: Hawks 109, Knicks 108 (McCollum’s fadeaway winner).
- Game 4: Knicks 114, Hawks 98.
The series now shifts back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5 on Tuesday, April 28. The Knicks regain home-court advantage in what has become a tightly contested, physical matchup.
Atlanta will need sharper ball movement, better shooting variance, and improved physicality to steal a road win, while New York looks to leverage its depth and defensive identity.
This Game 4 blowout reminded everyone of the Knicks’ potential as a top Eastern Conference threat, while exposing areas the resurgent Hawks (who earned the No. 6 seed) must address quickly if they hope to advance.
The series is far from over, but momentum has swung back to New York.