Jalen Johnson's Big Night Helps Hawks Defeat a Shorthanded New York Knicks Team on the Road 116-100

The Hawks travel back to Atlanta tomorrow night to face the Cavaliers

After two games in Brooklyn that did not go their way, the Atlanta Hawks finished up their road trip with a trip to Madison Square to face the very short-handed New York Knicks. 

Not only were the Knicks missing stars like OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson, but their point guard Jalen Brunson was also going to miss tonight's game, meaning New York was going to be down four of their regular starters against the Hawks tonight. 

Atlanta came into tonight without Trae Young, Onyeka Okongwu, and rookie Kobe Bufkin. 

The Hawks stuck with the same starting lineup of Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Saddiq Bey, Jalen Johnson, and Clint Capela. 

With the players that both teams were missing, it was fair to expect a more defensive game and a tough night for both teams on offense. 

Through the first six minutes of the game, one thing that stood out immediately was the play of Johnson. Johnson had only seven points in the Hawks' loss against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday and shot 3-12 from the field. He scored nine of the Hawks' first 16 points tonight and was making it happen in the paint and from three. 

Even when they are healthy, the Knicks are not a prolific team on offense, but without four starters, it was clearly going to be a struggle, even against a bad defensive team like the Hawks. In the first quarter, New York was 7-28 from the field, including 3-16 from three and they trailed Atlanta 33-15 after the opening quarter. 

The Hawks led by as many as 22 in the first half, but the Knicks bounced back in a big way in the second quarter. They outscored the Hawks 35-28 and were 6-11 from three, a much better shooting quarter from deep. While Atlanta still led by 11, it felt disappointing considering the amount of players the Knicks were missing and how well the Hawks played in the first quarter. New York had a big 12-2 run toward the end of first half

Atlanta shot 51% from the field and 35% from three in the first half with Jalen Johnson leading the way with 17 points. 

New York shot 39% from the field and 31% from three in the first half. 

After the break, the Knicks continued their momentum. 

It was the Hawks that were having offensive issues and finding it tough to score the ball. The Hawks were 7-22 in the third with five turnovers while Josh Hart scored eight points for the Knicks and going into the fourth quarter, Atlanta only led 83-78. The Hawks needed this win and they were going to need a strong effort to slam the door on the Knicks. 

They got exactly that. 

Mar 5, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) defends during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Hawks were dominant on both sides of the ball to close the game. They shot 13-18 from the field and the trio of Dejounte Murray (9), De'Andre Hunter (8), and Clint Capela (7) led the way. The defense held New York to 30% shooting in the fourth and Atlanta pulled away to win comfortably by 16 points. New York made Atlanta's life uncomfortable for the middle stretch of this game, but the Hawks found a way to close out strong in the final quarter. 

It was a terrific bounce-back for Jalen Johnson. After two tough games against Brooklyn, Johnson scored 26 points, pulled in nine rebounds, and had seven assists in an all-around terrific performance. Atlanta needs more games like this from Johnson while Young is out and he delivered tonight. 

Dejounte Murray (21 points, nine rebounds, and six assists) and De'Andre Hunter (22 points) also had strong games. The Hawks will need every game down the stretch to avoid being out of the play-in tournament race and with the guys the Knicks were missing, they had to have this game and they got it. 

Atlanta is going back home for a quick turnaround game tomorrow vs the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland also played tonight, getting a big win vs the Boston Celtics and the Cavs are dealing with injuries of their own. The injury report is going to be critical for tomorrow so pay close attention. 

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