The New York Knicks claimed a 3-2 series lead over the Atlanta Hawks with their 126-97 win in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs on Tuesday. However, the Knicks are not willing to celebrate just yet.
“Job’s not done,” the Knicks wrote on X in a powerful three-word message.
Jalen Brunson Shines for Knicks
Knicks captain Jalen Brunson led the charge with a vintage 39-point performance on Tuesday, including 17 points in the first half, to give his team a 64-48 lead at the break. He had another 17 points in the fourth quarter to seal the win for the Knicks.
“The ball went in, but just happy we were able to keep the lead,” Brunson said.
“They’re a team that’s capable of going on runs, as you know, from early in the series. But I liked the way we played in the fourth and kept the lead.”
Karl-Anthony Towns was once again used as an offensive hub by Mike Brown, with the Kentucky alum playing a Nikola Jokic-esque role from the top of the key. He finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, and made a huge impact despite taking just seven shots in 34 minutes.
Knicks Storm Back vs Hawks
A lot of people wrote off the Knicks after they fell behind 2-1 in the series, following back-to-back daggers by CJ McCollum last week. Since then, Mike Brown’s team has flipped the switch, outscoring the Hawks by an average margin of 22.5 points over their last two wins, while shooting 53% from the floor and 44% from three.
“You’ve got to go through some adversity through the course of the year and see what you’re made of, see how you’ll respond,” Brown said, via ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill.
“The guys have been through a lot so far this year and continue to go through it. They’ve been through it as a group. There’s nothing that will deter this group, this veteran group.”
“Throughout the course of the playoff run, you have to be smart. Rest is a big deal,” Brown said of the Knicks sticking to their offensive principles.
“The physicality of the game is another level, so trying to give your guys the ability to recoup, not just their minds but their bodies as well, is something we really lean on.”
The Knicks will try to close out the Hawks on the road in Thursday’s Game 6. If they lose, they’ll get another opportunity to advance in a possible Game 7. The winner of the series will face either the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers in the next round.
Knicks Make Major Announcement After Game 5 Win vs Hawks