By Joiner Martínez
27 Oct 2023, 11:54 PM EDT
The New York Knicks won their first win of the NBA regular season, beating the Atlanta Hawks 126-120, with a great offensive performance by point guard Jalen Brunson.
After an expected initial loss to the Boston Celtics, although painful because they lost a six-point lead in the final minutes, the Knicks needed to show their face in Atlanta this Friday and they did so by beating the Hawks as visitors.
This victory was led by Jalen Brunson, who made eight three-pointers, the most in his career, and totaled 31 points. He was 11 of 21 from the field, including 8 of 12 from three-point range. The Knicks made 20 three-pointers.
In addition to Brunson, RJ Barrett scored 16 points, including two baskets in the last four minutes, after Atlanta got within two points. A jumper by Barrett gave the Knicks a 118-114 lead with 2:16 remaining.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle added a triple to stretch the lead to seven points. Randle, who totaled 17 points, secured the victory with three free throws in the last 16 seconds, after several comeback attempts by the Hawks were insufficient. Randle added 12 rebounds and nine assists.
For the losers, Clint Capela (13 points, 13 rebounds) had a double-double and De’Andre Hunter scored 27 points for the Hawks, who have lost their first two games by six points each.
Trae Young scored 18 points, but only shot 4 of 16 from the field. Dejounte Murray scored 18 points, while Bogdan Bogdanovic (16 points) and Jalen Johnson (11 points) reached double figures as reserves.
The New York Knicks return to action this Saturday when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center at 7:30 pm (Eastern time).
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