Knicks-Hawks takeaways: New York finds its edge in Game 4, but Jalen Brunson's dip remains a concern
With the Knicks facing the prospect of an unprecedented 3-1 hole against the underdog Hawks, Game 4 was a reminder of just how intense and effective they can be by dialing in defensively.
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a much-needed triple-double Saturday to even the series against the Hawks. Kevin C. Cox via Getty Images With the New York Knicks facing the prospect of an unprecedented 3-1 hole against the underdog Atlanta Hawks, Game 4 was a reminder of just how intense and effective they can be by dialing in defensively.
The Hawks struggled to score all night in a 114-98 loss, shooting just . 415 from the field and committing 18 turnovers. Karl-Anthony Towns was the difference-maker Saturday putting up a triple double — 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists — and was a +16 while dominating both ends of the floor.
OG Anunoby was New York’s other star with 22 points on 56% shooting with 10 rebounds and a +19. CJ McCollum led the Hawks with just 17 points and was 0-for-4 from 3. On to the takeaways … Atlanta’s offensive illusion dissipates At some point, the math had to even itself out.
It was nothing short of a miracle that the Hawks, who entered into Saturday’s game with a negative net rating — 12th best out of 20 possible playoff teams — all while scoring at a bottom-six rate, somehow found themselves with a shock 2-1 series lead. If the first three games of this series was the Hawks’ success by the mitigation of their offensive woes, Game 3 was the amplification of their shortcomings. Simply put, Atlanta doesn’t have the firepower and shot-making depth that New York possesses, having to rely on ball movement, physical defense and transition opportunities to potentially muck up the game.