Hawks Soar Past Knicks in Dominant 111-99 Victory

Jalen Johnson's triple-double powers Atlanta to second straight win after tough losing streak.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:04am

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A vibrant, expressionist painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with players' forms dissolving into a kaleidoscope of neon colors and rapid brushstrokes.The Hawks' high-octane offense and Jalen Johnson's triple-double performance ignite a colorful, energetic victory over the Knicks.NYC Today

The Atlanta Hawks secured a resounding 111-99 victory against the New York Knicks on Friday, January 2, 2026. Leading the charge for the Hawks was Jalen Johnson, who achieved his seventh triple-double of the season with 18 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Hawks took control of the game in the second quarter and never looked back, despite a late Knicks comeback attempt.

Why it matters

The Hawks' victory marked their second consecutive win, following a challenging seven-game losing streak. Furthermore, the Hawks became the first team this season to hold the Knicks to under 100 points, a testament to their defensive prowess.

The details

The Knicks initially took an 11-2 lead, but the Hawks responded decisively, scoring the final four points of the first quarter to take the lead. The Hawks extended their lead to 60-45 in the second quarter before Jalen Brunson narrowed the gap, making the halftime score 60-47. In the third quarter, Nickeil Alexander-Walker's driving layup gave the Hawks their largest lead of the game, 94-68. The Knicks attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring the first 11 points, but Luke Kennard's consecutive three-pointers halted their momentum.

  • The game was played on Friday, January 2, 2026.
  • The Hawks took an 11-2 lead in the first quarter.
  • The Hawks led 60-45 in the second quarter.
  • The Hawks led 94-68 in the third quarter.
  • The Knicks scored the first 11 points of the fourth quarter.

The players

Jalen Johnson

The Atlanta Hawks player who achieved his seventh triple-double of the season with 18 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Atlanta Hawks player who scored 23 points in the game.

Onyeka Okongwu

The Atlanta Hawks player who contributed 22 points to the team's victory.

Jalen Brunson

The New York Knicks player who led the team with 24 points.

OG Anunoby

The New York Knicks player who recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds.

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The takeaway

The Hawks' dominant victory over the Knicks showcased their ability to bounce back from a tough losing streak and their strong defensive performance, which held the Knicks to under 100 points. This win could be a turning point for the Hawks as they look to build momentum and climb the standings in the second half of the season.