Knicks Face Disappointment Against Hawks
On the heels of a disappointing New Year’s Eve defeat, the New York Knicks faced another challenge as they clashed with the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. Despite the arrival of 2026, the Knicks struggled to find their rhythm both offensively and defensively, culminating in a disheartening 111-99 defeat on Friday night.
Injuries and Roster Challenges
As the game unfolded, the injury-riddled Knicks endured yet another hit to their roster. With Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson already sidelined, they were dealt an additional setback when Karl-Anthony Towns was ruled out due to illness shortly before the tip-off. This led to Miles McBride stepping into a starting role for the tenth time this season, alongside Ariel Hukporti, who was making his fourth start. The Knicks have now featured ten different starting lineups over the span of 34 games, which exemplifies their depth issues.
Game Highlights
The Knicks began the game with a glimmer of hope, racing to an 11-2 lead as McBride knocked down a pair of three-pointers. However, the Hawks quickly settled into the game, responding with a significant 14-3 run, allowing them to tie the game at 16-16. The first quarter concluded with Atlanta leading 33-30, as both teams traded leads thanks to steady ball movement and scoring.
As the second quarter commenced, the Hawks swiftly expanded their advantage, prompting a timeout from the Knicks as they trailed by nine. While Jordan Clarkson managed to sink a three-pointer to reduce the deficit, the team’s struggles continued, with the Hawks extending their lead to an imposing 15 points just before halftime. The Knicks went into the break down 60-47, shooting only 20.8% (5 of 24) from beyond the arc, amidst a lack of urgency.
The Knicks faced an uphill battle in the third quarter, as their deficit swelled to 19 just 90 seconds into the period, leading to another timeout. The Hawks effectively focused their defense on Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ lone offensive force, which left the team struggling. They fell behind by as many as 24 points, showcasing poor shooting from key players like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, who combined for just 18 points on 29.4% shooting heading into the final quarter.
In a brief surge, Bridges and Anunoby ignited an 11-0 run early in the fourth, reducing the lead to 13 and forcing the Hawks to stop the momentum with a timeout. However, the comeback efforts were short-lived as Luke Kennard hit consecutive three-pointers, pushing the Hawks’ lead back to 19. The Knicks’ game plan, heavily reliant on the three-point shot, faltered as their primary scorers struggled tremendously, converting only 18.5% (5 of 27) from deep.
Standout Performances
Brunson emerged as the team’s standout player, netting 24 points and dishing out five assists despite the lack of support from his teammates. The Knicks continued to battle, narrowing their deficit to single digits late in the game at 108-99, but a forced foul against the Hawks extinguished any chance of a comeback. Notably, Trae Young, a significant threat for the Hawks, watched from the bench due to a quad injury, compounding the Knicks’ frustrations, as they shot a paltry 39% from the field and a season-low 20% from three-point range.
Jalen Johnson of the Hawks stole the show with an impressive triple-double consisting of 18 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, while Onyeka Okongwu and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each contributed 23 points. The Knicks’ performance was lackluster overall, as their shallow bench managed to add just 19 points, leaving them with much to improve upon.
Looking Ahead
Next, the Knicks (23-11) will seek to bounce back against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, hoping for a stronger showing at The Garden with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM.
