Knicks’ Jalen Brunson takes blame for ‘poor decision-making’ in Game 2 loss to Hawks

The New York Knicks suffered a cruel loss to the Atlanta Hawks, 107-106, in Game 2 of their first-round series in the playoffs on Monday at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks held a 12-point lead entering the fourth quarter, but they allowed the Hawks to claw back and tie the best-of-seven matchup at 1-1.

Jalen Brunson cut the lead to one point, 107-106, with a three-pointer with 8.5 seconds left. CJ McCollum missed two free throws in the ensuing possession to leave the door open for New York. Mikal Bridges, however, missed the last shot.

After the game, Brunson acknowledged that he did not play up to par, particularly when he was hounded by the defense.

“We were a little stagnant. Obviously, I control what I can control. Poor decision-making on my part,” said Brunson.

“We gotta play better with the lead. That’s twice in the fourth quarter now that we’ve done that (waste the lead).”

"We were a little stagnant. Obv I can control what I can control; poor decisionmaking on my part…couple possessions great D…Gotta play better with the lead; that's twice in the 4th we've done that"

–– Jalen Brunson on Knicks 4Q offense

Knicks 15 in 4th lowest of season pic.twitter.com/NocENWG0oF

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 21, 2026

The three-time All-Star put up a strong effort with 29 points and seven assists, although he only shot 10-of-26 from the field.

The Hawks gave Brunson different looks against the defense, with Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Corey Kispert, and Gabe Vincent taking turns in shadowing him.

According to a report from the Associated Press, the Knicks lost for only the second time in the playoffs when leading by at least 12 points heading into the fourth quarter since the invention of the shot clock. They are now 40-2.

Josh Hart had 15 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

Game 3 is at State Farm Arena on Thursday.

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