Knicks Defeat Hawks 121-105 as Towns Scores 30 Points, Brunson Nears Return
Saturday, April 5th, 2025, 5:30 PM
By Trendy Daily News
ATLANTA (AP) Karl-Anthony Towns scored 30 points and collected 11 rebounds as the New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 121-105 on Saturday.
OG Anunoby contributed 24 points, and Mikal Bridges scored 20 for the Knicks, who strengthened their position in third place in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks shot 53.6% from the field (45 of 84) and converted 15 of 29 three-point attempts (51.7%).
Trae Young scored 16 points and set the Hawks’ single-season assists record, previously held by Doc Rivers with 823 assists in the 1986-87 season. The Hawks will participate in the play-in tournament following the regular season, as the Milwaukee Bucks secured their playoff position after Atlanta’s third consecutive loss.
All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson, who returned to practice with the Knicks on Friday for the first time since sustaining a right ankle sprain on March 6, missed his 15th consecutive game. He participated in pregame warmups.
“He’s very close,” Coach Tom Thibodeau said before the game. “When he’s ready, we’ll know.”
The Knicks have recorded a 9-6 record since Brunson’s injury against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Game Statistics:
- The Knicks outscored Atlanta 40-22 in the second quarter
- New York established a 78-53 advantage at halftime
- The Knicks extended a 51-41 lead to 66-41 with a 15-0 scoring sequence
- Anunoby’s three-pointer concluded the scoring run
- The 78 points marked the highest first-half total allowed by Atlanta this season
Notable Achievements:
- Young leads the NBA with 11.6 assists per game
- Young recorded his 500th career steal in the first half
Both teams return to action on Sunday. Atlanta hosts Utah, while New York faces Phoenix at home.