Knicks’ Jalen Brunson reveals how he stayed composed during final Game 1 minutes vs. Hawks

Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks took Game 1 of their best-of-7 opening-round series against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. While the Knicks are the favorites against the Hawks, Brunson got off to a quick start in their 113-102 victory. Then, he led New York in closing out Atlanta.

After the win, Brunson discussed finding his offensive rhythm early, when the Knicks grabbed a lead, he said, per NBA on Prime.

“Got off to a good start in the first quarter. The ball was going in. Had a little bit of rhythm,” Brunson said. “Obviously, within games, things can go up and down. Just found a way to stay composed and still try to impact the game, and I feel like I did that enough for us to win tonight.”

“Just found a way to stay composed and still try to impact the game, and I feel like I did that enough for us to win tonight.”

Jalen Brunson analyzes his 28-point Game 1 performance vs. the Hawks pic.twitter.com/V5XMPivOgh

— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) April 19, 2026

Brunson finished with a game-high 28 points on 9-for-22 shooting, including 3-for-4 from deep, seven assists, five rebounds, and one steal. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 25 points, including a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line, eight rebounds, and three blocks.

CJ McCollum’s 26 points lead the Hawks. Jalen Johnson added 23 points and seven rebounds, and Onyeka Okongwu chipped in 19 points and seven rebounds.

Ben Stiller’s take on Jalen Brunson, Knicks playoff run

Knicks superfan and actor Ben Stiller professed his confidence in Jalen Brunson ahead of Game 1 against the Pistons. With hopes that the Knicks will build off their appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals, Stiller shouted Brunson out on social media.

Stiller posted a picture of Brunson on his X, formerly Twitter.

“This is our cap,” Stiller wrote.

This is our cap pic.twitter.com/7UzE2Q7beC

— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) April 16, 2026

The Knicks will host the Hawks at Madison Square Garden for Game 2 on Tuesday.

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