Knicks reestablish identity with series-leading Game 5 win vs Hawks

NEW YORK, United States — For a couple of games, the New York Knicks faced renewed questions about their legitimacy as contenders. Over the last two, they have provided a clear answer with two decisive victories that restored their identity.

Behind a composed and masterful performance from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks rolled past the Atlanta Hawks, 126-97, at the Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night (Wednesday Manila time) to take a 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series and move within one win of advancing.

The result marked New York’s second straight decisive victory after back-to-back one-point losses in Games 2 and 3, a stretch that briefly shifted control of the series. In response, the Knicks have reestablished their identity — playing with urgency, discipline and a clearer offensive structure built around their strengths.

“They’re resilient,” coach Mike Brown said of his team’s response after falling behind 2-1 in the series. “You’ve got to go through some adversity throughout the course of the year to see what you’re made of as a group. Our guys have been through a lot so far this year and they continue to go through it, but they’ve been through it as a group and there’s nothing that will deter the group.”

Brunson delivered his best game of the series, finishing with 39 points on efficient shooting while adding eight assists and just one turnover. He controlled the pace early and then took over late, scoring repeatedly in the fourth quarter to ensure there would be no late push from Atlanta.

The performance added to a growing postseason resume. It was Brunson’s 22nd playoff game with at least 30 points as a Knick — the most in franchise history — further cementing the star’s role as the engine of New York’s offense. He has also recorded 30 points and at least five assists in 20 playoff games with the Knicks, another franchise-best mark.

New York’s offense has taken on a different rhythm over the last two games, one built around Karl-Anthony Towns’ presence as a facilitator and decision-maker at the top.

“It is another dimension that we have been able to do,” Brunson said. “KAT is making great decisions and I think us playing off the ball with the screens we are setting and the ways we are cutting is helping with that. KAT also has the ability to go by his defender, so there are a lot of things we can do off of that, so he is playing great and making great decisions.”

Towns finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, but his influence went beyond the numbers. By operating as a hub, he has helped open the floor for Brunson and others, restoring the ball movement that had stalled earlier in the series. His all-around line continued a rare stretch, marking his third playoff game with a double-double, at least two steals and two blocks as a Knick — among the most such performances in franchise postseason history.

The Knicks complemented that offensive balance with a disciplined defensive effort, limiting Atlanta’s options and forcing difficult possessions. CJ McCollum, who had been instrumental in the Hawks’ earlier wins, was held to just six points, while their All-Star Jalen Johnson found little room to operate against New York’s length and physicality.

OG Anunoby added 17 points and 10 rebounds, contributing on both ends, for New York.

The Knicks’ depth also played a role in maintaining control. Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson continued his steady play off the bench with nine points, while Jose Alvarado provided an immediate spark, scoring 12 points in limited minutes as New York’s reserves outscored Atlanta’s second unit.

“I know they’re gonna try to bring a lot of force, so we gotta be prepared and we know what’s coming,” Clarkson said. “So, we’ll be ready.”

For fans in the Philippines, Clarkson’s continued impact in a high-stakes playoff series has been another reminder of his value on this stage, with his poise and scoring helping stabilize the Knicks during key stretches.

New York seized control early and never allowed the Hawks to seriously threaten, building a double-digit lead in the first half and extending it steadily behind its balanced attack. By the fourth quarter, the result had long been decided.

The Knicks now head to Atlanta for Game 6 with a chance to close out the series, carrying with them the version of themselves that had briefly gone missing and now appears to be back.

“We understand what the situation is,” Towns said. “The toughest game to win is the one that ends someone’s season. So, we gotta be ready for a really tough game.”

—

Alder Almo is a former senior sportswriter for Philstar.com and NBA.com Philippines. He is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey, and writes for US-based publication Heavy.com.