New York Knicks Beat Atlanta Hawks 122-101
In this story:
Summary
Wednesday night's game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks was the last contest before a nine-day All-Star break for both teams. Hawks head coach Nate McMillan warned his team not to go on vacation too early.
However, it quickly appeared that McMillan's team was already envisioning their trips to South Beach. New York beat Atlanta 122-101 and split the season series 2-2.
New York dominated from the opening tip and led from wire to wire. After jumping to a 37-21 first-quarter lead, New York never let their foot off the gas. Julius Randle acted as the enforcer, tallying 25 points and 11 rebounds.
Trae Young's rivalry with New York is well-documented, but the Hawks guard lost the battle tonight. Young scored 19 points on 28.6% shooting with 11 assists. His backcourt mate, Dejounte Murray, chipped in six points on a woeful 25% shooting.
Young and Murray got outclassed by All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, who led New York with 28 points and nine rebounds. Josh Hart and Immanuel Quickly provided instant offense and hard-nosed perimeter defense off the bench.
Atlanta only turned the ball over four times, but it is impossible to win a game in the NBA shooting a putrid 5-26 (19.2%) from deep. After the game, Nate McMillan said his team needed a break but implied he wanted to see some players in the practice gym next week.
After the last two embarrassing performances, it's safe to say everyone has work to do. Atlanta limps into the All-Star break with a record of 29-30. Stay locked into AllHawks.com for news, analysis, and interviews.
Stats
Hawks Leaders
De'Andre Hunter - 20 PTS, 4 REB
Trae Young - 19 PTS, 11 REB
AJ Griffin - 12 PTS, 2 REB
Knicks Leaders
Jalen Brunson - 28 PTS, 9 REB
Julius Randle - 25 PTS, 11 REB
RJ Barrett - 17 PTS, 5 REB
