The New York Knicks finally got the better of their nemesis Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks, pulling off a 119-110 victory on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The triumph marked the Knicks’ first win against Atlanta in three meetings this season and showcased a gritty team effort to overcome Young’s early dominance.
Trae starts hot, but Knicks cool him down
Young came out firing, torching the Knicks for 18 first-half points, with 15 of those coming from beyond the arc. The Hawks built an eight-point halftime lead, leaving New York searching for answers.
The turning point came in the second half when the Knicks deployed stifling defense led by OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. They locked down Young, holding him to just nine points after halftime and forcing him into nine turnovers. The star guard struggled mightily, going just 1-of-6 from the field and missing a crucial free throw in the final stretch.
Bridges and Brunson take charge
Mikal Bridges delivered a stellar two-way performance, pouring in 26 points, including 14 in a game-changing third quarter. His offensive surge helped the Knicks outscore the Hawks by 17 in the second half, permanently shifting momentum.
Jalen Brunson added a game-high 34 points, demonstrating his signature mix of aggression and precision. Brunson’s ability to finish at the rim and knock down tough shots kept Atlanta’s defense on its heels.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns returned from a two-game absence due to a sprained thumb and made an immediate impact. Towns contributed 13 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, providing the Knicks with much-needed versatility and leadership on the court.
A pivotal win in a loaded stretch
With the victory, the Knicks showed resilience against a playoff-caliber opponent. The win also came at a crucial time as New York looks to solidify its position in the Eastern Conference standings.
Despite the satisfying outcome, there’s no time for celebration. The Knicks face a quick turnaround with a crosstown clash against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
