On Wednesday night, the New York Knicks were confidently leading their NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. However, a remarkable turnaround in the second half allowed the Hawks to secure a 108-100 victory, propelling them into the semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The game started off well for the Knicks, who established a 28-22 lead in the first quarter and maintained a slim advantage, going into halftime ahead 54-47. Their lead grew to 62-52 early in the third quarter, but the tide quickly turned. The Hawks adjusted their game, showing resilience and determination. With Trae Young leading the charge, they made a significant comeback, even taking their first lead of the game at 68-66 with a critical three-pointer from Young.
From that moment, the Knicks struggled to regain control. The Hawks dominated the third quarter, outscoring New York 34-18, and they managed to withstand a late surge from the Knicks in the fourth quarter, silencing the lively crowd at Madison Square Garden.
Trae Young played a pivotal role in the Hawks’ victory, scoring 12 of his 22 points during the explosive third quarter. His overall performance included 11 assists and five rebounds, reminiscent of his impactful games during the playoffs in previous years.
Although the Knicks made an effort to close the gap, cutting a nine-point deficit to just six points (93-87) midway through the fourth quarter, the Hawks responded effectively, securing their eight-point win. In a light-hearted but pointed gesture as time ran out, Young rolled mock dice on the Knicks’ logo, celebrating the Hawks’ advancement to the next round of the NBA Cup.
A significant factor in the Hawks’ victory was their dominance on the boards, particularly after halftime. They finished the game with a 58-49 rebounding edge, which included an impressive 22 offensive rebounds. This aggressive approach allowed them to control the tempo and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
Atlanta’s success was far from a solo effort. Jalen Johnson, in his fourth year, was instrumental, contributing 21 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks. De’Andre Hunter, coming off the bench, added 24 points, showcasing his shooting prowess by hitting 4-of-5 shots from beyond the arc. Onyeka Okongwu also made his presence felt with a solid double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Despite having struggled with consistency throughout the season, with a record of 14-12 heading into this matchup, the Hawks showed that they could rise to the occasion when it mattered the most. Their win marked the seventh victory in their last eight games, indicating a strong upward trend as they head into the semifinals.
The Knicks, on the other hand, experienced a balanced offensive effort, with all five starters scoring in double figures, led by Josh Hart’s 21 points. However, Jalen Brunson had a tough night, shooting just 5-of-15 from the field and finishing with 14 points and eight assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns also played a significant role for New York, recording a season-high of 19 rebounds along with 19 points and three blocks. Unfortunately, foul trouble limited his impact during crucial moments in the second half, and he ultimately fouled out in the final minute of the game. While three Hawks players managed to grab 11 or more rebounds, the Knicks struggled to find similar production in that department.
As the Hawks look forward to their upcoming semifinal against the Bucks on Saturday in Las Vegas, the Knicks must regroup, as they have been eliminated from the NBA Cup. They are set to face the Orlando Magic in their next game on Sunday, where they will aim to bounce back from this disappointing loss.
