Hawks Look to Even Series with Knicks in Game 2

Atlanta hopes to bounce back after falling short in series opener

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with overlapping shapes and planes of color representing the players, ball, and court.The Knicks and Hawks battle it out in a tightly contested first-round playoff series, with both teams looking to gain an edge through their distinct playing styles.NYC Today

The Atlanta Hawks will look to even their first-round playoff series with the New York Knicks when the teams meet for Game 2 on Monday night. The Knicks took the opener 113-102 behind a strong start from Jalen Brunson, but the Hawks are confident they can play better and get back on track in the series.

Why it matters

This series represents an important postseason matchup between two of the Eastern Conference's top teams. The Hawks are seeking to build on their regular season success, while the Knicks are aiming to make a deep playoff run. The outcome of this series could have significant implications for the rest of the NBA playoffs.

The details

In Game 1, the Knicks jumped out to an early lead thanks to 19 first-quarter points from Brunson. While Brunson cooled off after the opening frame, the Knicks got balanced scoring from their starting lineup to hold off a late Hawks comeback attempt. Atlanta struggled offensively in the second half, scoring just 19 points in the third quarter and shooting poorly from 3-point range. The Hawks are confident they can get back to their up-tempo, high-scoring style of play in Game 2 to even the series.

  • The series opener was played on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Game 2 is scheduled for Monday, April 21, 2026.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard, who scored a game-high 28 points in the series opener.

Jalen Johnson

The Hawks' starting forward, who discussed his team's need to play their brand of basketball in Game 2.

Mike Brown

The Knicks' head coach, who praised his team's balanced scoring attack and defensive effort in the second half of Game 1.

Quin Snyder

The Hawks' head coach, who emphasized the importance of his team's identity of running and moving the ball effectively.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We feel like the team is deep and anybody can get going at any time. For us, it's about sacrificing and not worrying about shots, minutes or anything like that.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach

“I think coming into tonight, we kind of expected the Knicks to just play their style of basketball. I think we did a good job of coming out prepared for that. And then I think in the second half, we've just got to continue to play our brand of basketball, continue to play how we play.”

— Jalen Johnson, Hawks Forward

“Our level of physicality without fouling was really good in the second half.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach

“The formula for us and our identity has been to run and move the ball. And it's not like we didn't do that, but we need to do more of it.”

— Quin Snyder, Hawks Head Coach

What’s next

The Hawks will look to even the series in Game 2 on Monday night before the series shifts to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4.

The takeaway

This series features two talented teams with contrasting styles of play. The Knicks' balanced scoring and stifling defense proved too much for the Hawks in Game 1, but Atlanta is confident it can get back to its up-tempo, high-scoring identity to even the series in Game 2.