The Atlanta Hawks used a 37-point fourth quarter to top the New York Knicks at home, 139-124. Atlanta extends their winning-streak to five, while dishing out the Knicks their third straight loss.
Atlanta’s starters outplayed New York’s by a vast margin when looking at plus/minus. The starting group for the Hawks had a net +60 compared to New York’s net -60.
The Hawks had three players finish with 20+ points, with Dejounte Murray leading the way with 29 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Murray has now scored 27+ points in four consecutive games.
Trae Young finished with 27 points and 6 assists. De’Andre Hunter ended with 20 points on an efficient 7-11 from the field.
John Collins pitched in a near double-double of 17 points and 9 rebounds. This was also the first game that Clint Capela started since returning from a calf injury that sidelined him 10 games. He only played 20 minutes but was impactful in the paint, on his way to 7 points and 9 rebounds.
Despite the huge plus/minus difference, New York had all five of their starters score in double-figures. Julius Randle led the way with 32 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. R. J. Barrett added another 23 points, but had the worst plus/minus differential of any one who played in this game at -20.
Atlanta now looks to build upon their season-best winning streak to six games as they host their division rival, the Charlotte Hornets, Saturday night at home. The Hornets are one of the worst teams in the league by record, and have lost 8 of their last 10. Tip-off for this one is at 7:30 p.m. from Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.
