After a feel-good Game One victory on Saturday, the Knicks are set to host the Hawks again at MSG tonight in Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round series. A second victory would give New York extra breathing room before the series relocates to Georgia, and would further deflate the momentum of an Atlanta team that surged through the late season to secure the sixth seed.
On April 18, in Game 1, our heroes pulled away late for a 113–102 win. Jalen Brunson led the way with 28 points and seven
assists, Karl-Anthony Towns added 25 points and eight rebounds, Josh Hart grabbed 14 rebounds, and OG Anunoby chipped in 18 points. Atlanta got 26 from graybeard CJ McCollum and 23 points with seven rebounds from that upstart Jalen Johnson, but New York’s rebounding edge and mostly consistent defensive execution proved decisive.
The outcome reinforced a primary question of the series: can the fleet-footed, well-shooting Birds generate a consistent half-court offense against New York’s size and physicality? The underdogs are a high-volume, motion-heavy offense that thrives on speedy ball movement (ranked first for assists per game), spacing (fifth in three-point accuracy), and early-clock action. They averaged 118.5 points per game in during the regular season and finished with a top-ten defensive rating. But when New York sets the tempo at a rhythmic grind, their attack flattens to contested jumpers and one-and-dones.
Atlanta is a top team for steals, but New York limited their self-inflicted injuries with just 11 turnovers in Game One. The home team limited easy looks, controlled the paint, made Johnson (a triple-double threat) look fairly one-dimensional, and harassed Nickeil Alexander-Walker into 6-of-17 shooting. The difference in the frontcourt was obvious, especially in the second half when Towns really exerted his dominance.
Atlanta’s core remains dangerous. McCollum can create and score in bursts, Johnson impacts both ends as a versatile forward, Dyson Daniels is famous for being handsy in passing lanes, and Onyeka Okongwu is Atlanta’s best hope for protecting the rim and cleaning the glass. Alexander-Walker provided spacing and defensive versatility on the wing all season, and it’s unlikely he’ll be a ghost for the entire series.
The Knicks’ frontcourt owned the glass in the first tilt, and the lane remains the primary battleground. Second-chance points and paint control will likely decide the second contest. Once again, New York needs to focus on ball-control and limit giveaways.
Injury-wise, Anunoby is probable as he manages an ankle issue. Atlanta lists McCollum (calf) and Okongwu (knee) as questionable, but it’s safe to assume they’ll give it a go. Jock Landale is OUT for the Birds.
Prediction
ESPN Analytics gives the Knicks a 73% win probability tonight. We like. Expect the Hawks to keep it competitive through three quarters by leaning on Johnson’s playmaking, but New York’s depth and rebounding should take over in the final frame. The Knicks will wear down the Hawks’ interior defense, maximize second-chance opportunities, and finish up by double-digits.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (1-0) vs Atlanta Hawks (0-1)
Date: Monday, April 20, 2026
Time: 8 PM ET
Place: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: NBC
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
