Why did Knicks beat Hawks in Game 1?

Knicks’ Game 1 win: what mattered most

The New York Knicks opened their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks with a 113–102 victory at Madison Square Garden, using a blend of early scoring, defensive tightening, and a decisive third-quarter stretch.

The tone was set early by Jalen Brunson, whose scoring helped New York establish rhythm from the start. After getting the Hawks to react, the Knicks leaned into their midgame momentum swing—particularly in the third quarter—when key shots and repeated possessions began to stack up.

In the middle of that run, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby (both referenced in game-report coverage) hit timely 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to help ignite the decisive surge. That scoring burst mattered because it forced Atlanta to play from behind for extended stretches, limiting their margin for error on both ends.

New York’s defensive approach also showed up as the game moved forward. Multiple recaps emphasize that the Knicks stepped up after halftime, holding Atlanta to fewer easy looks and preventing the Hawks from sustaining offensive pressure.

What to watch going forward

• Third-quarter execution: New York’s ability to create a gap late in the middle frame was central to turning a manageable game into a comfortable win.
• Shot-making from key roles: The Knicks benefited from perimeter shots at points when Atlanta still had a chance to hang on.
• Defense after halftime: With the series shifting to adjustment mode, maintaining the second-half defensive level will be critical.

This Game 1 performance matters because it gives the Knicks a framework for how they can win when the game tightens: score in clusters, then protect the lead with structured defense. The Hawks will now need to respond with better shot quality and quicker answers to New York’s momentum runs.