The Knicks start the game in the best way with two winners from Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson. The Hawks are late to the start like Jalen Johnson who starts his match with a slice and a 0/5 shooting. Atlanta hangs on by taking advantage of its advantage near the circle, but suffers in defense (26-14).
Johnson had to wake up at the end of the first quarter to prevent the visitors from being lost and completely get the ball rolling. Zaccharie RIsacher goes for a somewhat happy poster on Karl-Anthony Towns to conclude a 14-5 and put his team back in the game. New York seems in control, with a slick passing game and “KAT” unleashed with 10 points and 14 rebounds at the break! The gap climbs again to +11 for the Knicks, but once again, the Hawks have something to answer for, this time with De'Andre Hunter. This first half of the series turns to the advantage of Tom Thibodeau's players but the feeling is already in the air that this quarter-final is far from being decided (54-47).
Atlanta never gave in
The dynamic picks up again after returning from the locker room. New York strikes again first (8-2 in 90 seconds), the Hawks absorb and respond immediately. This boxing match turns for the first time to the advantage of Atlanta, which goes in front thanks to a nine-meter shot from Trae Young with first intention. The visitors' good run extends to an impressive 21-4, orchestrated by a demonic Young. The executioner of the Garden is everywhere (12 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds in the third act) and the Knicks completely lose his game. Jalen Brunson well defended, all of Gotham is feverish. And the gap is growing visibly: +9 Atlanta before the last quarter.
And Atlanta shows no signs of restlessness. Johnson plays his part aggressively towards the hoop and Young can be content with the role of maestro despite a misguided shot. The Knicks commit too many oversights behind their backs in their defense and the Hawks take off several times in the alley-oop. The frustration is palpable on the New York side, especially since without Towns, on the bench with 5 fouls from the start of the last quarter, the locals completely lose their anchor point. The damage is done and the advantage will even climb to 14 lengths in the final minutes: Atlanta achieves another blow in this NBA Cup.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Hawks will challenge Milwaukee for a place in the final. We didn't expect Atlanta to be so dashing, but Quin Snyder's team is afraid of nothing, especially when they come to the “Big Apple”. Trae Young was able to sign a new celebration on the Knicks logo, as if he were rolling the dice, an obvious nod to Las Vegas. After coming out of a group with the Celtics and Cavaliers, the Hawks are just two wins away from becoming a real sensation.
– The Knicks’ completely failed second period. 19/49 shooting, only three free throws attempted. New York shot itself in the foot after returning from the locker room with its inability to find solutions in attack. The lack of depth and inches in Karl-Anthony Towns' relay paint was sorely felt.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
