Knicks edge Hawks 108-105 behind Brunson’s 30 and 13

The New York Knicks earned a 108-105 road win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, April 6, 2026, at State Farm Arena, with Jalen Brunson leading the visitors with 30 points and 13 assists in a steady all-around performance that helped New York close out a tight game.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

New York opened efficiently and took a 32-31 lead after one quarter. The Knicks moved the ball well early, finishing the night with 29 assists, and that tone was set in the opening 12 minutes. Atlanta stayed close behind strong shot-making, keeping the game within one possession.

Second Quarter

The Hawks answered in the second and outscored the Knicks 26-21 to take a 57-53 lead into halftime. Atlanta found a rhythm from beyond the arc and got a major scoring lift from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who kept the home side in front with confident perimeter shooting and timely baskets.

Third Quarter

The game shifted in the third. New York outscored Atlanta 28-22 in the period to regain control, 81-79, entering the fourth. Brunson directed the offense, and the Knicks’ shot quality improved as they continued to convert at a higher overall rate than the Hawks. Karl-Anthony Towns also helped stabilize possessions on the glass.

Fourth Quarter

Both teams scored efficiently late, but New York’s 27-26 edge in the fourth was enough to finish the three-point win. Atlanta stayed within reach throughout the closing minutes, yet the Knicks did just enough on key possessions to hold off the final push and come away with the result.

Key Performers

Jalen Brunson, Knicks: 30 points and 13 assists, serving as the offensive engine in a game New York needed to manage carefully down the stretch.

Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks: 12 rebounds, helping New York stay nearly even on the boards while supporting the team’s interior presence.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Hawks: A game-high 36 points, giving Atlanta its most productive scoring night from any player on the floor.

Dyson Daniels, Hawks: 12 rebounds, matching Towns for the game high and giving Atlanta extra work on the glass.

CJ McCollum, Hawks: Team-high 6 assists, helping organize Atlanta’s offense in a balanced but ultimately narrow loss.

NerdSports Stat: Atlanta made five more three-pointers than New York, 16 to 11, but the Knicks still won by three because they shot 50.0% from the field overall compared with the Hawks’ 40.0%.

Game Analysis

This game came down to efficiency and playmaking. Atlanta attempted 11 more shots and hit more from deep, but New York got better value from its possessions by shooting 42-for-84 from the field. The Knicks also created more assisted offense, finishing with a 29-23 advantage in assists, and that gap reflected the difference in offensive flow.

Brunson’s control was central to that. His 30-point, 13-assist line gave New York both scoring and structure, especially after halftime when the Knicks reclaimed the lead in the third quarter. Atlanta had the top individual scorer in Alexander-Walker, but the Knicks were more precise across the full game.

The rebounding margin was nearly even, with Atlanta at 48 and New York at 47, while both teams matched each other at the foul line by going 13-for-17. That left overall shot-making as the clearest separator. New York’s ability to convert inside the arc and maintain offensive organization proved enough in a game that stayed close all night.

Closing Context

With the win, the Knicks improved to 51-28 and strengthened their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Hawks fell to 45-34, a result that could matter in the crowded middle of the conference standings as the regular season continues to narrow and each late-season game carries added weight.

Frequently Asked Questions