The New York Knicks moved within one win of advancing after a commanding 126-97 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 5 on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
New York controlled the game from the opening quarter and never allowed Atlanta to regain rhythm, building a double-digit lead that held throughout the second half.
Jalen Brunson led the way with 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting, taking over late with 17 points in the fourth quarter to eliminate any chance of a comeback.
The All-Star guard dictated pace and shot selection, consistently attacking mismatches and capitalizing on defensive breakdowns.
New York’s offensive efficiency set the tone early, as the home side shot 58.5% in the first half and finished at 57% overall.
The Knicks also imposed their physicality on the glass, outrebounding Atlanta 48-27, a gap that translated into second-chance opportunities and control of tempo.
OG Anunoby added 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double with six assists, anchoring the interior on both ends.
Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges contributed to a balanced attack that generated 26 assists and limited turnovers to 11.
Atlanta struggled to match that efficiency, shooting 45% from the field and just 31% from three-point range.
Jalen Johnson posted 18 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, while Dyson Daniels added 17 points, but the Hawks lacked consistent scoring from their primary creators.
CJ McCollum, who fueled Atlanta’s earlier wins in the series, was held to six points on 3-of-10 shooting, disrupting the team’s offensive flow.
New York seized control with a 9-0 run late in the first quarter and extended the margin to 64-48 by halftime.
The third quarter maintained that separation, before Brunson’s late surge ignited a 12-0 run that pushed the lead to 110-82 and effectively sealed the result.
The Knicks also held a 13-4 edge in fast-break points, limiting Atlanta’s transition opportunities, which had been a key factor in its earlier wins.
With back-to-back decisive victories, New York has shifted the series momentum after dropping Games 2 and 3 by one point each.
The Knicks now lead the series 3-2 and can close it out in Game 6 on Thursday in Atlanta.
New York is aiming to reach the second round for the fourth consecutive season, while Atlanta faces elimination and must rediscover its offensive identity to extend the series.
