The Hawks played another game in Madison Square Garden just before All-Star break. The starters were Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Mo Gueye, and Onyeka Okongwu.
The Knicks led 20-12 through the first five minutes. The lead held steady as the Hawks struggled offensively and the Knicks made 13 of their first 19 field goal attempts. Dyson Daniels scored 10 points in the first quarter to lead the Hawks. The quarter ended 38-29 in the Knicks’ favor, with Brunson scoring 16. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 12 straight points to start the second quarter, as the Hawks’ offensive woes continued.
The Knicks held a double-digit lead throughout the second, as the Hawks missed close shots and free throws that could’ve kept it closer. Anthony-Towns stayed hot, having already scored 24 points with still four minutes remaining in the half. Okongwu cut the lead into single digits with a last-second layup to end the half. Daniels led the Hawks with 18 points, and LeVert had a 10 point second quarter.
Big O loves a bucket to beat the halftime buzzer at MSG pic.twitter.com/tDxKkHMfVj
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 13, 2025
The Knicks extended their lead back into double digits quickly into the second half, largely thanks to the continued excellence of Towns. Young drilled a deep three to make the score 104-101 Knicks entering the fourth.
The final quarter played slowly thanks to multiple fouls. Players on both teams were not happy with the officiating and both received warnings. With six minutes to go, Young nailed another three-pointer to cut the deficit to five. A minute later, he cut it to two with a floater. It was close down the stretch, but the Hawks couldn’t get the defensive stops they needed.
When it all looked over, the Hawks hit a three and got a steal all with under 15 seconds left. Okongwu secured a rebound on a missed free throw from Daniels, and Young went to the line trailing by two. He sank both and the Hawks forced overtime with a stop.
The game played just as close in overtime. The Hawks trailed 149-148 with 11.1 seconds remaining and possession of the basketball. Young drove in, missed a layup, and Oknogwu kicked out to a wide open Georges Niang. Niang missed the three and the Knicks won 149-148.