The New York Knicks (22-9) squandered an 18-point third-quarter lead but held on strong for a 128-125 victory against the Atlanta Hawks (15-18) on December 28.
Here are the key stats and the top performers of the game:
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Karl Anthony Towns NYK C 36 PTS | 15 REB | 1 AST | 53.5 FPS
Towns was perfect in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points on 4-for-4 shooting. He was also highly productive at the line, converting 17-of-18 free throws, and recorded his sixth 30-point game of the season. He also continues to be a force on the boards, grabbing his 23rd double-digit rebounding performance and ranking third in total rebounds this season.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Onyeka Okongwu ATL C 31 PTS | 14 REB | 1 STL | 52.3 FPS
Okongwu has been struggling from three lately, going 0-for-7 in his last two games but he found his rhythm today, hitting 6-of-10 threes and recorded his 11th 20-point outing of the season. He also led the team in rebounding for the ninth time this season while also recording his seventh double-double.
SCORING MACHINES:
Jalen Brunson NYK PG 34 PTS | 3 REB | 5 AST | 42.1 FPS
Brunson did not score from the line but put up 19 points in the second half to record at least 34 points in each of his last three games. He continues to be one of the league’s top scorers this season, tallying 16 30-point performances and ranking fifth in total points.
Jalen Johnson ATL SF 20 PTS | 9 REB | 12 AST | 52.8 FPS
Johnson had a slow start but turned it around in the second half, posting 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. He’s been highly productive this month, averaging 25.4 points and posting 19 RA ten times in eleven games.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Dyson Daniels ATL SG 13 PTS | 8 REB | 9 AST | 39.1 FPS
Daniels turned in a strong all-around performance, notching his 20th double-digit scoring game and 5-assist game and his 22nd 5-rebound performance of the year. He ranks 2nd in the league in total steals this season and 16th in total assists.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
OG Anunoby NYK PF 15 PTS | 10 REB | 3 STL | 45.5 FPS
OG had a subpar game offensively but still provided solid contributions across the board. He also played a key role in defense, recording at least three stocks for the 11th time this season.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Vit Krejci ATL PG 9 PTS | 3 3PM | 24 MIN | 9.0 FPS
Krejci continues his hot streak from deep, knocking down 17 threes in his last four games and averaging 14.75 points.
THE X-FACTOR:
Mitchell Robinson NYK C 9 REB | 2 STL | 1 BLK | 27.3 FPS
Robinson contributed in multiple areas but stood out on the boards. Despite inconsistent minutes this season, he’s averaged 10.9 rebounds over his last seven games and ranks 43rd in the league in total rebounds while also placing 39th in total blocks.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Nickeil Alexander-Walker ATL SG 25 PTS | 1 AST | 1 STL | 29.5 FPS
NAW finished with his 17th 20-point performance this season and his sixth with at least 5 threes made.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Trae Young ATL PG 9 PTS | 10 AST | 2 STL
Young posted his fifth 10-assist game of the season but he had a difficult time on offense, finishing 2-for-9 and committing 6 turnovers.
