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Updated · The Action Network · Apr 18Knicks Overpower Hawks to Take Game 1 Lead in Playoff Series
52 articles · Updated · The Action Network · Apr 18
- The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 113-102 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference playoff series at Madison Square Garden.
- Jalen Brunson scored 28 points and Karl-Anthony Towns added 25, with Towns contributing 19 in the second half to secure the win.
- The Knicks, now under coach Mike Brown, take a 1-0 series lead, with Game 2 set for Monday night in New York.
With ownership demanding a Finals trip, are the Knicks built to handle the mounting pressure? After a clutch second half, can Karl-Anthony Towns finally shed his reputation for playoff inconsistency? Are the Hawks' post-All-Star surge a fluke, or can they still pull off the upset? Will OG Anunoby's defense be enough to contain the rising star Jalen Johnson? With scoring so concentrated, how will the Hawks' high-assist offense adjust for Game 2? Could the 'Hack-a-Player' strategy's overuse finally force the NBA to change its rules?