Basketball schematics are intricate and multifaceted. But when deciding between multiple strategic options, Occam’s razor should be applied. In essence, it is the principle of choosing the most obvious answer.
It wasn’t until Saturday’s 114-98 victory in Game 4 in Atlanta, a virtual must-win for the Knicks with the Hawks holding a 2-1 series lead, that head coach Mike Brown and his squad turned the abstract into the tangible, imposing their will and aforementioned game plan with intentionality and precision.
Towns had a sterling triple-double, the first of his 11-year career in the playoffs, registering 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Forward OG Anunoby had a team-high 22 points. Moreover, McCollum, who put up 26, 32, and 23 points in Games 1, 2, and 3 respectively, was limited to 17 in Game 4. Moreover, McCollum, who put up 26, 32 and 23 points in Games 1, 2 and 3 respectively, was limited to 17 in Game 4.
Back at MSG for Game 5 on Tuesday night tied 2-2, the Knicks duplicated their performance despite adjustments by Hawks head coach Quin Snyder. He moved 2025 NBA All-Defensive first-team guard Dyson Daniels off of Brunson and onto Towns, trying to effectively counter the Knicks’ new paradigm that was successful in Atlanta.
But the Knicks simply pounded the Hawks, winning 126-97. It manifested in several statistical categories. Doubling Atlanta in free-throw attempts 34-17. Out-rebounding them 48-27. And a commanding 60 to 42 points-in-the-paint disparity.
“One thing that we said is we’ve got to box out and we gave up five offensive rebounds,” said Brown, “which to that team is huge because they’re one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the league.
“…OG and KAT were monsters. Between the two of them, 22 defensive rebounds, they both had a double-double. They were phenomenal.”
Daniels agreed.
“We come in here and we got smashed tonight but we still got a chance. It’s 3-2 we’re going home to protect home court.”
Anunoby finished with 17 points and 10 boards, and Towns 16 and 14. Brunson dropped a highly efficient game-high 39 points on 15-23 shooting. The Knicks can eliminate the Hawks tonight in Atlanta (7 p.m. ESPN). Game 7 if necessary will be at the Garden on Saturday at a time yet to be determined