Knicks beat Hawks 126-97 behind Brunson’s 39

The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 126-97 on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Madison Square Garden, with Jalen Brunson leading all scorers with 39 points and adding eight assists in a Game 5 performance that put New York one win away from advancing in the first-round playoff series.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

New York set the tone immediately, outscoring Atlanta 35-22 in the opening period. The Knicks moved the ball well, found clean looks early, and forced the Hawks to play from behind. That 13-point edge gave the home team control before the game had a chance to settle.

Second Quarter

Atlanta was more competitive in the second, but New York still won the quarter 29-26. The Hawks had stretches of effective offense, yet they could not trim the margin in a meaningful way. By halftime, the Knicks held a 64-48 lead and had already established the rebounding and shooting advantages that defined the night.

Third Quarter

The Hawks needed a strong push coming out of the break, but the Knicks stayed steady. New York took the third quarter 26-24, keeping Atlanta at arm’s length and maintaining a comfortable 90-72 lead entering the fourth. Brunson continued to organize the offense, while Karl-Anthony Towns helped control the interior.

Fourth Quarter

Any remaining doubt disappeared in the final 12 minutes. The Knicks outscored the Hawks 36-25 in the fourth, turning a solid lead into a decisive 29-point result. New York’s execution remained sharp late, and the bench and starters alike helped close out one of the team’s most complete games of the series.

Key Performers

Jalen Brunson, Knicks: 39 points and 8 assists, leading the offense from start to finish. He was the clear top performer and delivered the game’s biggest individual scoring output.

Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks: 14 rebounds, helping New York post a 48-27 advantage on the glass. His work inside gave the Knicks extra possessions and limited Atlanta’s second chances.

Jalen Johnson, Hawks: 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Johnson was Atlanta’s most productive all-around player in a difficult road game.

Team numbers that mattered: New York shot 57.0% from the field and 42.3% from three, while Atlanta finished at 44.6% overall and 31.0% from deep. The Knicks also made 25 free throws to the Hawks’ 10.

NerdSports Stat: The Knicks finished plus-29 on the scoreboard and plus-21 on the glass, meaning they nearly matched their winning margin with their rebounding advantage alone in a playoff game where both teams recorded at least 25 assists.

Game Analysis

This game was built on efficiency, balance, and control. New York did not need a dramatic momentum swing because it led the game through consistent execution. The Knicks shot 45-for-79 from the field, a highly efficient 57.0%, and paired that with 26 assists, showing both shot-making and strong offensive organization.

Brunson was at the center of that success. His 39 points and eight assists reflected how comfortably he managed the pace, found his own offense, and created opportunities for teammates. When Atlanta tried to stay within range, New York responded with quality possessions rather than rushed shots.

The rebounding gap was just as important. The Knicks collected 48 boards to Atlanta’s 27, a major difference that helped them maintain control throughout the night. Towns’ 14 rebounds stood out, but the team-wide effort on the glass kept New York in favorable positions on both ends.

For Atlanta, the challenge was combining enough stops with enough efficient scoring. The Hawks attempted 42 three-pointers but made only 13, and they also left points at the line by shooting 58.8% on free throws. Jalen Johnson produced a solid all-around line, but the Hawks did not have the sustained scoring needed to pressure New York after the first quarter.

Closing Context

With the win, the Knicks now lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series 3-2 and moved closer to advancing. New York also improved its listed overall mark to 53-29, while Atlanta fell to 46-36. Game 5 showed the formula the Knicks will try to carry forward: efficient offense, strong rebounding, and Brunson setting the standard in the backcourt.

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