Jalen Brunson emphasized accountability and urgency after the New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 114-98 in Game 4 to even the Eastern Conference series at 2-2.
“I like the way we responded. Yeah, very pleased,” Brunson said, opening his postgame comments by pointing to the team’s reaction after consecutive tight losses earlier in the series.
The Knicks guard credited the team’s mindset shift over the previous 48 hours. “We refocused and understood what was going to be needed tonight,” he said, highlighting preparation before tip-off.
Brunson pointed to execution against Atlanta’s structure and discipline. “They’re a very good team, very well coached, they do a lot of the little things,” he said, noting the challenge posed by the Hawks’ system.
New York’s adjustment centered on intensity and pace. “Yes,” Brunson said when asked about the early physical tone, adding that the Knicks “had to up everything that we had to do.”
The second-half surge from Game 3 carried over into Game 4, according to Brunson. “I think that fight back in game three helped us for this game,” he said, even though the previous result ended in a loss.
Offensively, Brunson described a faster approach that reduced stagnation. “Just feel like we played on both sides of the ball,” he said, pointing to improved rhythm and transition execution.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ playmaking also stood out in Brunson’s assessment. “He was just in a rhythm, finding guys from the top of the key,” he said, crediting Towns for helping build the Knicks’ early separation.
Brunson added that Towns’ impact extended beyond scoring. “He helped create that lead with his play,” he said, noting decision-making that opened the floor for New York’s offense.
The Knicks guard also referenced defensive matchups, specifically Josh Hart’s role. “He does what’s asked of him nine and a half times out of ten,” Brunson said, emphasizing consistency on effort assignments.
Hart’s defensive physicality was a key part of New York’s game plan against Atlanta’s perimeter creation. Brunson acknowledged the importance of that versatility in limiting rhythm for primary scorers.
Looking ahead to Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, Brunson stressed detail and preparation. “Continue the way we’re playing,” he said, adding that “attention to detail” will be critical in a tightly contested series.
He also highlighted a mental shift within the group. “Most importantly, just not being afraid to fail,” Brunson said, framing the Knicks’ approach as aggression-driven rather than conservative execution.
New York now returns home with momentum after stabilizing the series. The Knicks will aim to convert their improved pace, defensive urgency, and ball movement into a series lead in Game 5.
