Knicks ride Towns’ triple-double to knot series with Hawks
knicks-ride-towns-triple-double-to-knot-series-with-hawks
Karl-Anthony Towns delivered the first playoff triple-double of his career on Saturday night, guiding the New York Knicks to a Game 4 victory over the Atlanta Hawks that evened their first-round matchup at two games apiece. Playing at Madison Square Garden, the six-time All-Star finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, repeatedly initiating the offense from the top of the key.
Head coach Mike Brown said the game plan shifted to funnel the early offense through Towns because of the contest’s stakes. “We just switched our early offense,” Brown explained. “With us switching our early offense up the way we did, the ball went to his hands quite a bit.”
Towns’ passing created several interior looks for OG Anunoby, who credited the center’s vision. “If I get open, he’ll find me,” Anunoby said. “No matter how tight the window is, he’ll be able to find it.”
Hart headlines perimeter defense
Josh Hart’s reputation for rebounding and hustle expanded to defensive versatility in Game 4. Splitting time on CJ McCollum and Jalen Johnson, the swingman helped hold Atlanta to 24.4% from three-point range while New York turned 19 Hawk turnovers into 21 points. “Josh was really good on the ball,” Brown said. “When he gets locked in, he’s locked in.”
Protecting Brunson on defense
Brown also adjusted coverages to keep point guard Jalen Brunson from being isolated by Atlanta’s ball-handlers. “We mix it up so Jalen is not always on [the ball-handler],” the coach noted before the game. Brunson downplayed a brief, on-court exchange with his father and assistant coach, Rick Brunson, calling it “two competitors.”
McBride seeks consistency
Guard Miles McBride, less than three months removed from sports-hernia surgery, continues to search for offensive rhythm. Through four postseason games he has made only one two-point field goal and has yet to attempt a free throw. “I expect a lot out of myself,” McBride said. “Reality is, I’ve gotta go out there and perform.”
New York and Atlanta resume their best-of-seven series with Game 5 on Tuesday night.
Source: Hoops Rumors
