NEW YORK, NY — Jalen Brunson delivered a historic playoff performance when the New York Knicks needed it most, scoring 39 points to lead a dominant 126–97 Game 5 victory over the Atlanta Hawks Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
With the win, New York takes a 3–2 series lead and heads to Atlanta with a chance to close out the first round series in Game 6. Brunson was in complete control from start to finish, finishing with 39 points and eight assists on 15-of-23 shooting, including 17 points in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
His stat line—39 points, eight assists and just one turnover—marked the first time in NBA playoff history where that combination has been recorded.
“He’s playing with incredible composure,” Knicks head coach Mike Brown said postgame. “Where does it come from? It comes from his mom… real sharp lady.”
While Brunson led the scoring, it was the continued development of his partnership with Karl-Anthony Towns that defined the night.
The Dominican-American added 16 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, controlling the glass and anchoring both ends of the floor.
As Jalen Brunson led the Knicks in scoring in Game 5 Tuesday night , Karl-Anthony Towns cleaned up on rebounds, recording a game-high of 14 boards – Image Credit: NBA
“Between OG (Anunoby) and KAT, 22 defensive rebounds… they were phenomenal,” Brown said. “We talked about boxing out, and our guys did an unbelievable job.”
The Knicks established control early, closing the first quarter on a 12–2 run to take a 35–22 lead. From there, their defensive intensity and offensive efficiency never wavered. By halftime, New York had built a double-digit cushion and continued to extend it behind balanced scoring and relentless pressure.
Defensively, the Knicks smothered Atlanta’s offense, holding CJ McCollum to just six points on 3-of-10 shooting. Traps, rotations and physical play disrupted the Hawks’ rhythm, forcing them into a stagnant half-court attack.
“They did what they were supposed to do—protect home court,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “Their defense never really let us establish how we needed to play.”
Mitchell Robinson provided energy on both ends of the floor Tuesday night in the Knicks’ Game 5 win over the Hawks – Image Credit: NBA
The Knicks’ supporting cast also made key contributions. OG Anunoby recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, continuing his consistent two-way play throughout the series, while Mitchell Robinson provided energy and rim protection off the bench.
New York’s dominance over the last two games has been clear. The Knicks have now won Games 4 and 5 by a combined 45 points and have outscored the Hawks by 56 overall in the series—a reflection of control that hasn’t always shown in the win-loss column.
Still, there was a concern late in the game as Josh Hart exited with an apparent back injury. He did not return to the bench, and Brown said there was no update following the game.
Jose Hart left Game 5 between the Hawks and Knicks with an apparent back injury and did not return to the bench – Image Credit: NBA
Despite that uncertainty, the Knicks remain in a strong position.
“We’ve been through a lot,” Brown said. “There’s nothing that will deter this group.”
Now, New York heads to Atlanta with momentum—and a chance to end the series.
“The toughest game to win is the one that ends someone’s season,” Towns said. “We’ve got to be ready.”
Game 6 is set for Thursday night, with the Knicks, playing their best basketball of the postseason at exactly the right time, one win away from advancing.
Follow us on Social Media for updates and exclusive content
Instagram: @latinosportsoficial
Facebook: Latino Sports
Twitter: @latinosports
