The New York Knicks evened their first-round series at 2-2 with a 114-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday at State Farm Arena. The result shifted momentum after back-to-back one-point losses and reset the series heading to Madison Square Garden.
According to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the tone inside the arena changed early. “There is a specific kind of silence that permeates State Farm Arena when a blowout is in progress,” Robinson reported.
New York built a 68-44 halftime lead and never trailed again. The Knicks shot 49% from the field and held Atlanta to 41%, including 10-for-41 from three-point range.
The locker room atmosphere reflected both relief and confidence. Robinson described it as “the stunned hush of a crowd watching a well-oiled machine dismantle their hope brick by brick.”
Karl-Anthony Towns anchored the performance with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. The All-Star became the fourth player in franchise history to record a playoff triple-double, joining Walt Frazier, Dick McGuire, and Josh Hart.
Robinson noted the significance of the performance within the series context. “On Saturday, he incinerated those talking points,” Robinson reported of Towns’ postseason narrative.
The Knicks’ offensive execution stood out after struggles in Games 2 and 3. Robinson wrote, “The Knicks’ offense… looked fluid, decisive, and frankly, unstoppable.”
OG Anunoby added 22 points while Jalen Brunson finished with 19. The trio consistently generated efficient looks through high-post actions and ball movement.
Defensively, New York adjusted its approach to limit Atlanta’s primary options. CJ McCollum scored 17 points but did not make a three-pointer after hitting nine across the previous three games.
Robinson highlighted the defensive shift. “The Knicks’ perimeter defense… held the Atlanta stars to contested looks and forced 16 turnovers.”
Inside the locker room, the postgame scene became a focal point. Robinson reported, “the unmistakable aroma of Atlanta’s most famous kitchen preceded the players.”
The team celebrated with a spread from Magic City, a well-known Atlanta establishment. Robinson wrote that the meal “featured a mountain of wings.”
The moment quickly turned into a viral highlight when Towns addressed the room. “I want the Lou Williams wings, you heard?!” he said, referencing the “Lemon Pepper Lou” nickname.
The reaction captured a lighter side of a group often defined by structure. Robinson described “the rowdy energy of a team that knows they’ve regained the upper hand.”
Even the restaurant joined the moment publicly. Robinson reported the response: “We don’t wanna take credit for the win…But [eyes emoji].”
With Game 5 set for Tuesday in New York, the Knicks return home with momentum. The series now becomes a best-of-three, with both teams having shown the ability to adjust.
