The New York Knicks are one win away from advancing and based on the last two games, they look every bit in control. Behind a brilliant performance from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks routed the Atlanta Hawks 126-97 in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series Tuesday night, grabbing a commanding 3-2 series lead.
Brunson poured in 39 points, narrowly missing another addition to his growing list of 40-point playoff performances. After being relatively quiet earlier in the series, he erupted when it mattered most scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter to slam the door on any potential Atlanta comeback.
The win marked New York’s second straight blowout, continuing a dramatic shift in momentum after the Hawks had taken a 2-1 series lead with narrow one-point victories in Games 2 and 3.
Whatever adjustments the Knicks made have paid off in a big way. After a 16-point win in Game 4, they followed it up with an even more dominant showing at Madison Square Garden, leading by as many as 32 points and never letting the Hawks threaten in the second half.
Brunson emphasized confidence after the game but also caution as New York looks to close out the series on the road.
While Brunson led the charge, the Knicks received major contributions across the board. OG Anunoby added 17 points and 10 rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 16 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists
New York dominated the glass, outrebounding Atlanta 48-27, and controlled the pace with a 13-4 edge in fast-break points a crucial advantage against a Hawks team that thrives in transition.
For Atlanta, Jalen Johnson led the way with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Dyson Daniels added 17.
However, the biggest difference came from CJ McCollum, who had been instrumental in the Hawks’ two earlier wins but was limited to just six points in Game 5. Without his offensive spark, Atlanta struggled to generate consistent scoring.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu each chipped in 16 points, but the Hawks couldn’t overcome their rebounding deficit or New York’s efficiency.
The Knicks wasted no time asserting control. They hit eight of their first 12 shots and closed the opening quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 35-22 lead.
In the second quarter, Brunson helped spark another decisive stretch, capping an 8-0 run that extended the lead to 22 points. New York shot a blistering 58.5% from the field in the first half and carried a 64-48 advantage into the break.
By the fourth quarter, it was a formality. Brunson ignited a 12-0 run with a three-point play and a deep three-pointer, pushing the lead to 110-82 and effectively ending the contest.
Now holding a 3-2 series lead, the Knicks will head to Atlanta for Game 6 with a chance to clinch their fourth consecutive trip to the second round. If necessary, they’ll return home for Game 7 — though based on current form, they may not need it.
For a team that once trailed in the series, the Knicks have seized complete control — and with Brunson leading the charge, they look ready to finish the job.
