NEW YORK Knicks have taken a commanding 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks, following a decisive 126-97 victory in Game 5. The triumph, fueled by a vintage scoring performance from Jalen Brunson, has put the Knicks on the cusp of advancing.
The Knicks controlled Game 5 from start to finish, leveraging a strong defensive effort and Brunson's prolific scoring, which saw him pour in 39 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. This performance, achieved despite Brunson not playing significant minutes in the second half, underscores his impact. The team's defensive intensity was palpable, a stark contrast to some previous encounters in the series. A notable improvement was seen in boxing out, limiting Atlanta to a mere five offensive rebounds.
Brunson's offensive output in this critical matchup was highlighted by his efficiency. He managed to score 17 points on efficient shooting earlier in the game, demonstrating his capability even with defensive attention. This game marked a significant shift, with Brunson appearing to find more breathing room after opposing coach Quin Snyder adjusted defensive assignments.
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The Knicks' overall performance in Game 5 extended beyond Brunson. Karl-Anthony Towns also delivered a strong all-around game, contributing 16 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. This follows his impressive triple-double in Game 4, where he recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. The team’s collective defensive focus and improved rebounding were key factors in stifling the Hawks' offensive opportunities.
Historical Context and Playoff Narratives
Brunson’s impactful performances have become a recurring theme for the Knicks. Previously, in December 2025, he showcased his scoring prowess against the Toronto Raptors, netting 35 points, with 20 coming in the first quarter alone, largely through jump shots.
His clutch performances have also been pivotal in past playoff scenarios. In May 2025, a game-winning 3-pointer by Brunson with 4.3 seconds remaining against the Detroit Pistons secured a series victory and advanced the Knicks to the second round. This shot was described as potentially saving "these Knicks as we know them."
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More recently, in May 2025, Brunson's leadership was credited with sparking a 20-point comeback against the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their playoff series, a testament to the team's resilience and ability to fight back from significant deficits. His message to the team then was simple: "just keep believing, just keep fighting, sticking together, and just keep chipping away."
Brunson's offensive game has been noted for its versatility. By November 2025, observations suggested he was becoming "even more unguardable," with offensive schemes designed to utilize him off screens and in hand-off situations, while acknowledging his propensity for shooting off the dribble.
In a separate instance in December 2025, the narrative of a "Bench and Brunson" igniting an "electrifying victory" emerged, highlighting the combined impact of key reserve players and Brunson in orchestrating dramatic comebacks.
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