Knicks Beat Hawks 114-98 After Towns' Triple-Double

The Knicks won Game 4 against the Hawks by 16 points, tying the series 2-2. This is a big change from their previous close losses.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

New York Knicks have leveled their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks at two games apiece, securing a convincing 114-98 victory in Game 4. The triumph, achieved on the road, was powered by Karl-Anthony Towns' performance, which included his first career playoff triple-double.

Towns posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking a significant contribution to the Knicks' resurgence. This display not only pulled the Knicks out of a 2-1 series deficit but also guaranteed a return to Madison Square Garden for Game 5 on Tuesday night. The series will subsequently head back to Atlanta for Game 6 on Thursday.

The Hawks, who had won two consecutive close contests, found themselves outmatched in this outing. Their offensive struggles were evident, particularly from beyond the arc where they shot a dismal 21 percent, their worst performance of the season from deep. CJ McCollum, who had led Atlanta in scoring in previous games, was limited to just three points after halftime, finishing with 17 overall. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 15 points, and Jalen Johnson contributed 14. The absence of Kuminga was noted as a factor in Atlanta's difficulties.

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Towns' triple-double helps Knicks even series - 1

The Knicks seized control early, establishing a double-digit lead that they maintained throughout the contest. This offensive output was aided by capitalizing on Hawks turnovers, generating 21 points from 19 miscues. Jalen Brunson, despite finishing with 19 points, had a less efficient shooting night, contributing to six turnovers against three assists.

Historical Context and Future Implications

Towns' triple-double places him in select company within the Knicks franchise, becoming the fourth player to achieve this feat in a playoff game, joining the ranks of Walt Frazier, Dick McGuire, and Josh Hart. This marks Towns' fifth career triple-double overall.

Read More: Knicks win Game 4, Towns gets triple-double, series tied 2-2

The series' trajectory now sees momentum potentially shifting back to New York, with the Knicks having reclaimed home-court advantage. After a series of close games, including a heartbreaking one-point loss in Game 3, this decisive win provides a considerable morale boost for the team and its fanbase. The outcome of Game 5 in New York will be crucial in determining the series' momentum as it heads towards a potential conclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the New York Knicks perform in Game 4 against the Atlanta Hawks?
The New York Knicks won Game 4 against the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 114-98. This victory tied their first-round series at two games each.
Q: What was Karl-Anthony Towns' contribution to the Knicks' win?
Karl-Anthony Towns achieved his first career playoff triple-double in Game 4, scoring 20 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and making 10 assists. This performance was key to the Knicks' victory.
Q: How did the Atlanta Hawks perform in Game 4?
The Atlanta Hawks struggled offensively in Game 4, shooting poorly from three-point range (21 percent). Key players like CJ McCollum were limited in scoring after halftime.
Q: What does this win mean for the Knicks and the series?
The Knicks' win tied the series 2-2 and guaranteed a return to Madison Square Garden for Game 5. This victory gives them a morale boost and shifts momentum.
Q: What is the historical significance of Towns' triple-double?
Karl-Anthony Towns became the fourth player in Knicks franchise history to record a playoff triple-double, joining Walt Frazier, Dick McGuire, and Josh Hart.