Game 1 Takeaways: Hawks Fall to Knicks, Face Early Test in Series

The Atlanta Hawks opened their playoff run with a tough reality check Saturday night, falling 113-102 to the Knicks in Game 1 of the series, with New York now holding a 1-0 lead.

From the start, it felt like the Hawks were playing uphill.

New York controlled the tempo for most of the night, leaning on Jalen Brunson, who finished with 28 points and seven assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who added 25 points and eight rebounds. Every time Atlanta showed signs of closing the gap, the Knicks had an answer.

And late, they pulled away for good.

A 13-4 run down the stretch shut the door, turning what had been a manageable deficit into a double-digit loss and giving New York a 1-0 lead in the series.

For Atlanta, there were still pieces that worked.

CJ McCollum led the way with 26 points, providing the shot-making and composure expected in a playoff setting. Jalen Johnson continued his strong season with 23 points, showing once again he can be a consistent offensive presence on this stage.

But it wasn’t enough.

The bigger issue showed up in the second half. The Hawks struggled to match the Knicks’ offensive rhythm, particularly as the game slowed and possessions became more deliberate. Atlanta’s margin for error tightened as the Knicks executed more efficiently down the stretch.

This is the reality of this version of the Hawks.

There’s balance. There’s effort. But there are stretches where generating offense becomes a grind, especially against a disciplined team like New York.

Now, the pressure shifts quickly.

Atlanta will face the Knicks again Monday night in Game 2, with a chance to even the series before heading back home to State Farm Arena for Game 3. Falling into a 2-0 hole would only amplify the challenge, especially against a team that already looks comfortable dictating pace.

Game 1 didn’t define the series.

But it did set the tone.

And for the Hawks, the response has to come fast.