Towns Makes Franchise History as Knicks Level Series with Commanding Win Over Hawks

Key Takeaways:

• Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his first postseason triple-double, contributing 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for New York
• The Knicks overcame back-to-back one-point defeats to claim a 114-98 victory in Atlanta, bringing the playoff series to 2-2
• Game 5 will take place at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, ensuring the series returns to Atlanta for Game 6 on Thursday

Triple-Double Breakthrough Powers Knicks Back on Track

Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a standout performance at State Farm Arena, marking his inaugural postseason triple-double with 20 points, 10 boards and 10 assists as the New York Knicks clinched a 114-98 win against the Atlanta Hawks. Towns, an 11th-year All-Star, etched his name into Knicks playoff history by joining Walt Frazier, Dick McGuire and Josh Hart as the fourth player from the franchise to log a triple-double in the playoffs.

KAT becomes one of four knicks all-time to record a triple-double in the playoffs 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OMsetM1mOC

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 26, 2026

Fast Start and Defensive Adjustments

New York seized the initiative midway through the opening quarter and never relinquished control. They surged to a commanding 68-44 advantage by half-time and extended their lead to 20 points after the third period, effectively stifling the Hawks throughout. OG Anunoby contributed a crucial 22 points, supporting a robust core effort from Towns and fellow All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, who finished with 19 points. The Knicks regrouped impressively following consecutive narrow defeats, rediscovering their form at both ends of the floor.

Halting Atlanta’s Key Threats

The Knicks made significant defensive strides in limiting Atlanta’s principal offensive weapons. After scoring prolifically in the previous two games, CJ McCollum was held to 17 points and was unable to convert from three-point range, following nine successful three-pointers in the earlier matches. Nickeil Alexander-Walker was restricted to 15 points, while Jalen Johnson finished with 14. Head coach Mike Brown acknowledged the ongoing challenge McCollum presents, stating, “CJ’s a handful, so we’ve just got to keep trying to find ways to show him different looks.”

Home Advantage and Series Progression

The energy from Knicks supporters was palpable, with “Let’s go Knicks!” chants echoing through the Atlanta arena as the visitors’ lead swelled to as many as 24 points in the fourth quarter. Both sides turned to their bench units with three-and-a-half minutes remaining, the outcome no longer in question. With the series now level at 2-2, the stage is set for Game 5 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, and a guaranteed return to Atlanta for a decisive Game 6 on Thursday.