The Atlanta Hawks seized early momentum in the 2025 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, defeating the New York Knicks 113-102 in Game 1 at State Farm Arena on Saturday night. Trae Young delivered a masterclass performance with 28 points, 11 assists, and zero turnovers, orchestrating Atlanta’s offense with surgical precision to overcome a resilient Knicks squad that pushed the Hawks to the limit in the fourth quarter.
The victory gives the Hawks a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-seven matchup, setting the tone for what promises to be a hard-fought battle between two Eastern Conference stalwarts. Atlanta’s ability to close strong — outscoring New York 32-22 in the final period — proved decisive after a back-and-forth contest that saw six lead changes and three ties in the closing minutes.
Young’s efficiency was the catalyst. Shooting 10-for-18 from the field, including 4-for-6 from three-point range, the Hawks’ All-Star guard likewise drew eight fouls and converted 4-of-4 free throws. His playmaking was equally vital, finding De’Andre Hunter for three corner threes and repeatedly collapsing the Knicks’ defense to kick out to open shooters. “We trusted our rhythm,” Young said postgame. “When the ball moves, we’re hard to stop.”
New York, led by Jalen Brunson’s 26 points and Julius Randle’s 22-point, 12-rebound double-double, refused to fade. The Knicks cut a 12-point deficit to just two with under three minutes left, forcing Atlanta into a half-court trap that nearly produced a steal and fast-break layup. But Hunter answered with a contested mid-range jumper, followed by Young’s step-back three to restore a six-point lead with 90 seconds remaining.
Defensively, the Hawks adjusted masterfully after struggling early against New York’s pick-and-roll. Clint Capela anchored the paint with 14 rebounds and three blocks, altering multiple shots at the rim and forcing the Knicks into 18 mid-range attempts — their lowest total of the season. Atlanta held New York to 42 percent shooting overall and just 31 percent from three, a significant drop from their regular-season average of 37 percent.
The turning point came midway through the third quarter. After the Knicks took a 58-56 lead on a Brunson pull-up jumper, Atlanta responded with a 12-0 run capped by Hunter’s back-to-back threes and a Capela putback dunk. The surge shifted momentum irreversibly, as New York failed to score more than 18 points in any quarter after that stretch.
Bench production also proved vital. Atlanta’s reserves outscored New York’s 28-16, with Saddiq Bey contributing 10 points and Dyson Daniels adding eight points, four steals, and relentless pressure on Brunson. Daniels’ defensive intensity forced two first-half turnovers that led to easy transition baskets, setting the tone for Atlanta’s aggressive perimeter defense.
For New York, the loss exposes vulnerabilities in their half-court execution when Brunson is rested. The Knicks scored just 18 points in the minutes Brunson sat — a concern heading into Game 2, where Atlanta will likely look to exploit that gap with sustained defensive pressure. Coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the issue: “We need better ball movement when Jun is off. Too many isolations, too many contested shots.”
The Hawks, meanwhile, validated their regular-season identity as a top-10 defensive team. Holding New York under 103 points in a playoff game marks only the second time all season the Knicks have been held below that threshold — a testament to Atlanta’s disciplined rotations and communication.
Looking ahead, Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night at 8:00 p.m. ET / 00:00 UTC at State Farm Arena. Both teams are expected to be at full strength, with no significant injury updates reported following Game 1. The series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4 on April 26 and 28, should it extend that far.
For Atlanta, the win reinforces their belief that they can compete with the East’s elite. After finishing fifth in the conference with a 48-34 record, the Hawks entered the playoffs as underdogs against the second-seeded Knicks. But Young’s leadership, combined with improved defensive cohesion, has given them a tangible edge early.
As the series moves forward, adjustments will be key. New York will likely look to slow the pace and force Atlanta into half-court sets, while the Hawks will aim to maintain their transition efficiency and continue hunting mismatches in the pick-and-roll.
One thing is clear: the Eastern Conference quarterfinals have begun with intensity, and the Hawks have struck first.
Stay tuned to Archysport for live updates, postgame analysis, and exclusive coverage as the 2025 NBA Playoffs unfold. Share your thoughts in the comments below — what did you build of Game 1? And don’t forget to follow us for real-time alerts on Game 2 and beyond.
