Jalen Brunson nets 28 points; Knicks outlast Hawks in Game 1

Jalen Brunson had it all going in the first half, dropping 22 of his game-high 28 points while hitting his first six shots. The Knicks point guard dominated early, setting the tone for New York's dominant performance. Karl-Anthony Towns added 25 points, including 19 after halftime, as the Knicks' depth proved too much for Atlanta. Despite going 0-for-7 in the second half, Brunson remained impactful on both ends of the court with solid defense and ball movement. The 113-102 victory gave New York a crucial Game 1 win in their first-round matchup.

This wasn't just about individual brilliance—it was the Knicks' overall depth that took control. Towns' second-half explosion paired with New York's bench production built a commanding 19-point lead at one point. The Hawks fought back, but couldn't overcome Brunson's early dominance and the Knicks' balanced attack.

Game 2 looms as the Hawks look to get back in the series. The Knicks' formula is clear: get out early, use depth, and don't rely on one player carrying the load. Brunson set the tone in Game 1.