The New York Knicks do not have a scheduled game today, Sunday, April 26, 2026. Fans looking for the "Knicks score today" will find the team in a recovery and strategic planning phase following their dominant performance on Saturday night. The most recent action saw the Knicks secure a crucial 114–98 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. This victory was monumental, as it officially tied the series at 2–2, shifting the momentum back to New York as the teams prepare to return to Madison Square Garden.

Game 4 Recap: A Masterclass at State Farm Arena

On Saturday, April 25, the New York Knicks entered State Farm Arena facing immense pressure. Down 1–2 in the series, a loss would have put them on the brink of elimination. However, Tom Thibodeau’s squad responded with one of their most complete performances of the season.

The final score of 114–98 does not fully capture the defensive intensity the Knicks brought from the opening tip. While the first half was a back-and-forth affair, the Knicks separated themselves in the third quarter with a 15–4 scoring run that silenced the Atlanta crowd. The defensive rotations were crisp, and for the first time in this series, the Knicks successfully neutralized the Hawks' perimeter shooting, holding them to under 35% from beyond the arc.

The Historic Triple-Double from Karl-Anthony Towns

The headline of the night was undoubtedly Karl-Anthony Towns. Since joining the Knicks, expectations for "KAT" have been sky-high, particularly regarding his postseason production. In Game 4, he delivered a performance for the history books, recording 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. This marked the first postseason triple-double of his career and only the third in Knicks franchise history during the playoffs.

What made Towns' performance so impactful was his role as a facilitator. Seeing the Hawks double-team Jalen Brunson at the point of attack, Towns frequently operated out of the high post, finding cutters and open shooters with pinpoint accuracy. His 10 assists were a direct result of his improved decision-making under pressure. Defensively, he anchored the paint, contesting shots without picking up the early fouls that had plagued him in Game 2.

OG Anunoby Leads the Scoring Column

While Towns handled the playmaking, OG Anunoby provided the scoring punch. Anunoby finished with a team-high 22 points, showcasing an aggressive offensive mindset that the Knicks desperately needed. He was efficient from the corners and used his physicality to finish through contact at the rim.

More importantly, Anunoby’s primary defensive assignment was to limit the Hawks' primary creators. His length and lateral quickness disrupted Atlanta’s offensive flow, forcing them into late-clock situations and contested mid-range jumpers. When Anunoby is hitting his threes and locking down the opposing team's best wing player, the Knicks become an incredibly difficult team to beat.

Analyzing the Series Pendulum: From Game 1 to Game 4

To understand the significance of the 114–98 score, one must look at the trajectory of this series. The journey to a 2–2 tie has been a rollercoaster for New York fans.

The Game 1 Wake-Up Call

In the series opener on April 18, the Knicks won 113–102, a game where Jalen Brunson scored 28 points and Towns added 25. At that moment, it seemed like the Knicks might cruise through the first round. However, the Hawks made significant tactical adjustments in Games 2 and 3, exploiting the Knicks' transition defense and winning the rebounding battle.

The Struggle in Atlanta

Games 2 and 3 saw the Knicks lose their defensive identity. The Hawks' bench stepped up, and New York struggled to find a consistent third scoring option behind Brunson and Towns. The narrative heading into Saturday was whether the Knicks had an answer for the Hawks' speed.

The Game 4 Pivot

Game 4 represented a return to "Knicks Basketball." Coach Thibodeau shortened the rotation, relying heavily on his core starters but getting high-quality minutes from Miles McBride off the bench. The Knicks out-rebounded the Hawks 47–38, a stat that usually correlates with a Knicks win. By controlling the glass, they prevented the Hawks from getting the second-chance points that had hurt them in previous matchups.

Strategic Breakdowns: How New York Adjusted

Neutralizing the Pick-and-Roll

The Hawks' offense thrives on high pick-and-roll action. In Games 2 and 3, the Knicks' "drop coverage" was being exploited. In Game 4, the Knicks were much more aggressive, often "hedging" or outright switching on screens to keep a hand in the face of the shooters. This forced the Hawks to play more isolation basketball, which played right into the Knicks' defensive strengths.

Jalen Brunson's Gravity

Even when Jalen Brunson isn't scoring 40 points, his "gravity" on the court dictates the game. In Saturday's win, Brunson saw constant blitzes. Instead of forcing the shot, he trusted his teammates. His ability to draw two defenders opened up the lanes for Towns and Anunoby. Brunson finished with a solid stat line, but his impact was felt most in how he managed the game's tempo, ensuring the Knicks didn't get lured into a track meet with the faster Hawks.

Bench Contributions and Energy

Miles McBride provided a spark in the second quarter that shouldn't be overlooked. While his scoring numbers might look modest, his on-ball defense changed the energy of the game. He forced two turnovers in a three-minute span that led to fast-break points, helping the Knicks build their lead. In the playoffs, these "hidden" contributions are often the difference between a win and a loss.

What is the Knicks' Schedule Moving Forward?

As there is no game today, the team is traveling back to New York. The schedule for the remainder of the first round is as follows:

  • Game 5: Tuesday, April 28 at Madison Square Garden.
  • Game 6: Thursday, April 30 at State Farm Arena.
  • Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, May 3 at Madison Square Garden.

Game 5 is widely considered the "pivot" game in a 2–2 series. Historically, the winner of Game 5 in a tied series goes on to win the series over 80% of the time. The Knicks will be counting on the "MSG Factor"—the legendary energy of the New York crowd—to propel them to a 3–2 lead.

Key Factors for Game 5 at Madison Square Garden

1. Sustaining the Defensive Intensity

The 98 points allowed in Game 4 was the lowest the Hawks have scored in this series. Can the Knicks replicate that defensive lockdown at home? The key will be communication on switches and ensuring that the Hawks' role players don't get comfortable early in the game.

2. The Health of the Roster

Playoff basketball is a war of attrition. Josh Hart’s hustle is vital for the Knicks, but he has been playing heavy minutes. Today’s day off is crucial for recovery. The medical staff will be working overtime to ensure the core rotation is fresh for Tuesday night.

3. Transition Scoring

In Game 4, the Knicks showed flashes of an improved transition game. While they prefer a half-court grind, getting "easy" buckets before the Hawks' defense can set will be important at home. Look for Mikal Bridges to be a primary target on the break.

4. Containing Atlanta's Stars

The Hawks will undoubtedly make adjustments after the Game 4 blowout. They will likely try to find ways to get Towns into foul trouble early or use more off-ball screens to tire out Anunoby. The Knicks' coaching staff needs to anticipate these moves.

Conclusion: The State of the Knicks

The New York Knicks have successfully stabilized their postseason after a shaky start in Atlanta. By winning Game 4 114–98, they have turned the first round into a best-of-three series with home-court advantage. Karl-Anthony Towns’ emergence as a triple-double threat adds a new layer of complexity to the Knicks' offense that the Hawks struggled to contain.

As of today, April 26, the Knicks are in a strong position. They have the momentum, a healthy core, and a historic performance to build upon. The focus now shifts entirely to Tuesday night at the Garden, where the Knicks look to take control of the series.

Summary of Recent Knicks Performance

Date Opponent Result Score Key Performer
April 18, 2026 Atlanta Hawks (G1) Win 113–102 Jalen Brunson (28 pts)
April 21, 2026 Atlanta Hawks (G2) Loss 105–112 Karl-Anthony Towns (24 pts)
April 23, 2026 Atlanta Hawks (G3) Loss 101–108 OG Anunoby (19 pts)
April 25, 2026 Atlanta Hawks (G4) Win 114–98 KAT (20 pts, 10 reb, 10 ast)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the Knicks score last night?

The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 114–98 on Saturday night, April 25, 2026. This victory tied their first-round playoff series at 2–2.

Who led the Knicks in scoring in Game 4?

OG Anunoby led the team with 22 points. However, Karl-Anthony Towns was the standout performer with a historic triple-double (20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists).

When is the next Knicks game?

The Knicks play the Atlanta Hawks in Game 5 on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The game will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Did Karl-Anthony Towns make history in Game 4?

Yes, Towns recorded his first career postseason triple-double. It was only the third time in the history of the New York Knicks franchise that a player achieved a triple-double in a playoff game.

Is the Knicks vs. Hawks series tied?

Yes, the series is currently tied 2–2. Each team has won one home game and one away game. Game 5 will be played in New York, followed by Game 6 in Atlanta.

Where can I watch the next Knicks game?

The game will be broadcast on national television (check local listings for ESPN or TNT) and will also be available on the MSG Network for local viewers in the New York area.