Knicks Edge Out Hawks in Thrilling Matchup
In a thrilling matchup on Saturday night, the New York Knicks narrowly edged out the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 128-125 at State Farm Arena. This victory becomes especially significant as the Knicks played without key player Josh Hart, who will be sidelined for an upcoming road trip due to an ankle sprain sustained during their Christmas Day contest. In his absence, rookie Mohamed Diawara got his second start in the NBA.
Key Performances and Game Highlights
Knicks coach Mike Brown opted to broaden his lineup early on, introducing Kevin McCullar Jr. off the bench. The 24-year-old instantly made his presence felt, recording four rebounds, including three offensive boards, along with an assist in just five minutes.
The Knicks were particularly dominant on the boards at the outset, grabbing 20 rebounds compared to the Hawks’ nine in the first quarter. Despite a shaky beginning offense, they managed to pull ahead by five points, thanks to Jalen Brunson’s three-pointer just before the period closed.
The second quarter began with the Hawks tying the game, but New York quickly responded with a 12-4 scoring run that pushed their lead back to eight points. The Knicks fans erupted when Tyler Kolek executed a beautiful and-one play, followed by Karl-Anthony Towns assisting Mikal Bridges with a behind-the-head pass. Towns had an impressive first half, contributing 16 points and seven rebounds in just 13 minutes.
McCullar continued to build on that lead, hitting a couple of three-pointers and showcasing tenacious hustle, finishing the half with six points and six boards. Brunson, starting off slow with one made three out of four attempts, found his rhythm in the third quarter, scoring ten points as New York surged ahead further. However, Atlanta proved resilient, cutting the deficit back to nine by the end of the period.
In the fourth quarter, Towns picked up the pace, scoring eight unanswered points, which temporarily reestablished control for New York. The Hawks continued to fight back, reducing their deficit to a nail-biting one possession game, highlighted by Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s fifth three-pointer of the night and a three by Onyeka Okongwu that briefly gave Atlanta the lead.
Brunson showcased his clutch gameplay with a crucial response, netting two key baskets. However, a turnover from him allowed the Hawks an opportunity to regain their lead. After a missed shot from Brunson, OG Anunoby made a significant defensive play, grabbing a critical rebound and converting two free throws. He later sealed the victory with another crucial steal and subsequent free throws, finishing the game with impressive stats of 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
Standout Performers
Towns was the standout performer for the Knicks, leading with 36 points and 16 boards, while Brunson added 34 points. McCullar’s contributions of 13 points and eight rebounds marked one of his most significant showings of his nascent NBA career. The Knicks are expected to capitalize on this momentum as they prepare for their next game against the Pelicans on Monday night at 8:00 PM.
Overall, McCullar was recognized as the Game MVP for his impactful play off the bench, underscoring the depth of the Knicks roster and their ability to secure a hard-fought win despite key injuries.
