The New York Knicks did not have a scheduled game today, Sunday, April 26, 2026. However, the basketball world is still buzzing from their dominant performance on Saturday night, April 25, when they defeated the Atlanta Hawks 114-98 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round. This crucial victory allowed the Knicks to tie the best-of-seven series at 2-2, regaining momentum as the scene shifts back to New York.

The standout story from the matchup was the historic performance of Karl-Anthony Towns, who recorded his first career postseason triple-double. His versatility on both ends of the floor anchored a Knicks squad that looked revitalized compared to their previous outing.

Detailed Box Score Analysis of Game 4

The Knicks' victory was a product of efficient scoring and high-level perimeter defense. While Jalen Brunson typically carries the primary scoring load, Game 4 saw a more balanced offensive distribution that kept the Hawks' defense off-balance for all four quarters.

New York Knicks Starters Performance

The starting five for head coach Tom Thibodeau played extensive minutes, a trademark of his postseason strategy. The synergy between the newly acquired pieces and the established core was evident in the fluid ball movement throughout the game.

Player Position MIN PTS REB AST FG 3PT
OG Anunoby F 39 22 6 2 8-15 4-8
Josh Hart F 41 12 11 5 5-10 1-4
Karl-Anthony Towns C 38 20 10 10 7-12 2-4
Mikal Bridges G 37 18 4 3 7-14 2-6
Jalen Brunson G 40 19 3 8 6-18 2-7

Karl-Anthony Towns was the engine of the offense. Beyond his 20 points, his 10 assists reflected a significant tactical adjustment by the Knicks' coaching staff. By utilizing Towns as a high-post hub, the Knicks were able to punish the Hawks' aggressive double-teams on Jalen Brunson. Towns showed exceptional vision, finding cutters and open shooters whenever the defense collapsed on his drives.

OG Anunoby provided the necessary scoring punch, leading the team with 22 points. His ability to hit corner threes and transition dunks provided the spark during a critical 12-2 run in the third quarter. Defensively, Anunoby was tasked with slowing down the Hawks' primary wings, a job he executed with his typical disruptive length.

Jalen Brunson had a relatively quiet shooting night, going 6-of-18 from the field, but his impact was felt through his gravity. He drew multiple defenders, allowing teammates like Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart to find high-quality looks. Brunson’s 8 assists were vital in maintaining the team's offensive rhythm.

Bench Contributions and Tactical Depth

The Knicks' bench, though shortened for the playoffs, provided high-energy minutes that preserved the lead. Miles McBride continues to be a reliable "3-and-D" asset, while Mitchell Robinson’s presence in the paint during Towns’ brief rests ensured that Atlanta could not easily exploit the interior.

  • Miles McBride: Contributed 9 points in 18 minutes, including two crucial three-pointers that stifled a Hawks comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.
  • Mitchell Robinson: Although his scoring was limited to 6 points, his 8 rebounds (4 offensive) kept possessions alive and limited the Hawks to one-shot opportunities.

Atlanta Hawks Defensive Struggles

The Atlanta Hawks entered Game 4 with a 2-1 series lead and hoped to put the Knicks on the brink of elimination. However, their defensive rotations lacked the crispness seen in Game 3. They struggled to contain the Knicks' pick-and-roll variations, particularly when Towns popped to the perimeter or made quick decisions out of the short roll.

Atlanta’s offense also saw a dip in efficiency. While they attempted to push the pace, the Knicks' transition defense was much more disciplined. The Hawks were forced into contested mid-range jumpers rather than the high-percentage looks at the rim they enjoyed earlier in the series.

Tactical Breakdown: The Impact of the Triple-Double

In modern NBA playoffs, a center recording a triple-double is often a sign of total offensive dominance. For Karl-Anthony Towns, this performance silences many critics regarding his playoff impact.

  1. High-Post Playmaking: By positioning Towns at the free-throw line, the Knicks forced Atlanta's rim protector to step away from the hoop. This opened up driving lanes for Brunson and Bridges.
  2. Defensive Rebounding to Outlet: Towns' 10 rebounds weren't just about ending possessions; they were about starting them. His ability to grab the board and immediately look for a sprinting Josh Hart or OG Anunoby led to several easy transition points that demoralized the Hawks' crowd.
  3. Spacing Gravity: Even when Towns wasn't touching the ball, his threat as a 40% career three-point shooter forced the Hawks to stay attached to him, preventing them from helping on Brunson’s drives.

Series Outlook: Heading Back to Madison Square Garden

With the series now tied at 2-2, the momentum has swung back toward New York. The Knicks have successfully reclaimed home-court advantage in what has effectively become a best-of-three series.

Game 5 Information:

  • Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
  • Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
  • Significance: Historically, the winner of Game 5 in a tied 2-2 series wins the series over 80% of the time.

The Knicks will need to maintain this level of defensive intensity. The Hawks are expected to make adjustments to their defensive coverage on Towns, likely involving more "stunting" from the weak side to disrupt his passing lanes. Jalen Brunson is also due for a bounce-back shooting performance, which could make the Knicks even more dangerous at home.

Summary of the Knicks vs. Hawks Series Status

The New York Knicks’ 114-98 victory in Game 4 was a statement win. By neutralizing the Hawks' home-court energy and showcasing a diversified offensive attack led by Karl-Anthony Towns’ triple-double, the Knicks have turned the series into a high-stakes showdown. As of today, April 26, the team is resting and preparing for the return to Manhattan. The health of the starting rotation and the continued evolution of Towns as a playmaker will be the primary factors to watch as Game 5 approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Did the Knicks play a game today?

No, the New York Knicks did not play today, Sunday, April 26, 2026. Their last game was on Saturday, April 25, against the Atlanta Hawks.

What was the score of the last Knicks game?

The Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 114-98 in Game 4 of their playoff series.

Who led the Knicks in scoring in Game 4?

OG Anunoby was the leading scorer for the Knicks with 22 points. Karl-Anthony Towns also made a major impact with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

When is the next Knicks game?

The Knicks will face the Atlanta Hawks in Game 5 on Tuesday night, April 28, 2026, at Madison Square Garden.

What is the current series score between the Knicks and the Hawks?

The series is currently tied at 2-2.