The Atlanta Hawks went head-to-head against the New York Knicks in the Madison Square Garden during the Martin Luther King day tipoff. However, the Hawks snapped their winning streak after the Knicks found the winning formula against their Eastern Conference rivals, leaving Trae Young’s historic night moot.
Young had just become the third player in NBA history to record 5+ assists in 200 consecutive games. He joins Isiah Thomas (209) and John Stockton (336). But, that historic night is spoiled after a loss they could have prevented.
Knicks, Thibodeau, and Brunson Finding the Answer for Hawks’ Defense
This season, the Atlanta has always had the answer for All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson. That is by having defensive specialist Dyson Daniels take the challenge of containing Brunson. Daniels has done a great job so far, only allowing the Knicks star a 36% field goal in the first 4 games they met, well below his 49% season average.
However, in their latest matchup, Knicks coach Tim Thibodeau made a new adjustment that turned gave amazing returns. Brunson, like the scorer he is, controlled the offense. As expected, Daniels is his main defender. But, this time, Brunson kept attacking Daniels and baited him for fouls. The idwas ea deemed reckless, but it was successful. The 21-year-old wing defender became frustrated and eventually fouled out after gathering six fouls in regulation.
Brunson finished the game with 34 points on an efficient 12-for-18 shooting, prompting an end to their 3-game losing streak to Atlanta. He also makes Knicks history after recording his 68th 30-point game, surpassing legend Willis Reed.
Moreover, the Knicks accrued the most wins in MLK day after beating the Hawks, moving to 24-15 in games played during the holiday.
Aside from failing to keep Brunson from getting his rhythm, Atlanta also gave away 23 turnovers. Although they played great defense (getting more blocks and steals), New York already had the momentum in the second half.
