A Win is a Win
The New York Knicks emerged victorious in a thrilling 149-148 overtime win against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. Playing on the second of a back-to-back, the Knicks let a significant second-half lead slip away, even being up by six points with just 10 seconds left in regulation. However, the dynamic duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson led the team to their second consecutive win as they head into the All-Star break. "It’s great to go into the break on a win,” Brunson remarked after the game. “No matter how we got it or what happened. I’m just happy we fought through, regardless of the positives or negatives, and came away with a win.”
Brunson’s Heroics
Jalen Brunson was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 36 points on 13-of-21 shooting and dishing out eight assists. His biggest contribution came in the closing seconds of overtime. With 20 seconds left, Brunson took the ball up the court, executed some nifty dribbling to escape his defender, and hit the go-ahead shot from the top of the key, giving the Knicks a one-point lead with 11 seconds remaining. Brunson’s performance was a testament to his resilience and leadership, qualities that have solidified his status as one of the team’s key players.
Towns’ Stellar Performance
Karl-Anthony Towns continued his scoring rampage, following up his 40-point performance against the Pacers on Tuesday with a 44-point outing against the Hawks. He became just the fifth Knick in franchise history to have back-to-back 40-point games. Joining his impressive scoring output were 10 rebounds and three assists, with seven three-pointers to his name. Towns was quick to emphasize the importance of the team’s success over individual milestones. "I’m just happy that those kind of nights result in wins,” he said. “That’s the most important part for the city. We got ourselves going into the break with momentum.” His smile when he added, “But worst time to have something working right now,” highlighted the bittersweet nature of heading into the All-Star break at the height of his form.
All-Star Representation
While most of the Knicks will enjoy the All-Star break, Towns and Brunson will represent the team in All-Star weekend. Both players were selected as All-Star starters, and Bruenson will compete for the second consecutive year in the 3-Point contest on Saturday. This recognition is a testament to their exceptional play and the team’s overall success. The break will give them a chance to recharge and prepare for the second half of the season, which is crucial for a team with higher aspirations.
Reflection and Resilience
Coach Tom Thibodeau praised the team’s resolve despite their imperfect performance. "Obviously we didn’t play as well as we would like. But I love the resolve,” he said. “What happened at the end of the game and go into overtime and just find a way to win. That’s what this team has done all year. We’re scoring a lot of points, but obviously there’s room to improve, too.” Towns echoed this sentiment, noting the emotional swings of the game and the team’s resilience. “Feel like you’re doing a lot. Then you feel like you gave the game up for your team and then you fight back to get it again,” he said. “Shows a lot of resilience and grit by our team to be in that position and to find ourselves to come away with a win. It’s something our team has done all year.”
Looking Forward
The Knicks, currently third in the Eastern Conference with a 36-18 record, have 28 games left before the postseason. They acknowledge that there are still aspects of their game that need improvement, but their fighting spirit sets them apart. Last season, the Knicks met a sudden end in the second round when they fell to the Pacers in seven games. This year, with Towns and a few other new pieces contributing to one of the most potent offenses in recent memory, the team is building on the successes of the past. The Knicks entered play on Wednesday fourth in the NBA in points per game (118.4) and are now tied for the second-most points scored by a team in a single game this season. While Towns would love to continue playing while he’s on a personal heater, the Knicks can use the All-Star break. OG Anunoby has missed the last few weeks with a foot sprain, Mitchell Robinson, who hasn’t played since last April due to offseason foot surgery, could return when the Knicks return, and Deuce McBride left Wednesday’s game with a rib contusion. "We haven’t really accomplished anything,” Brunson said. “We have a long way to go to continue to where we want to go. But it’s all about taking one day at a time. Right now to rest and recharge and come back ready to go." The Knicks resume their regular season next Thursday when they host the Chicago Bulls.
