Karl-Anthony Towns finished with a triple-double.
The New York Knicks needed to respond in a big way after falling behind the Atlanta Hawks 2-1 in round one of the playoffs, and they certainly delivered on that need in Saturday's 114-98 blowout of the Hawks.
It became evident after game three's loss that the Knicks were once again lacking in physicality and they definitely made that adjustment in game four. They jumped out of the gate strong with a 58 point first half to take a healthy lead and never looked back.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way when it came to setting the physical tone. He dominated the paint and finished with a 20 point, 10 rebound and 10 assist triple-double while shutting down the Hawks' attempts at scoring inside.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) holds the ball away from Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) during the second half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesWith physicality being such an emphasis for the Knicks heading into the game, finding ways to get Towns more involved on the floor was a major point of focus for head coach Mike Brown.
The Game Plan With Towns
He made Towns the focal point of the floor while at the same time mobilizing him in a way that meant that the Hawks weren't going to be able to trap him in any one place.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) tries to reach the basket against Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images"We were just trying to find different ways to get KAT the ball," Brown said (via NBA). "Trying to move him around, whether he's at the top of the floor, at the elbow or on the block. Trying to move him around so he can get a few more touches throughout the course of the game."
The result was that not only could Towns find ways to apply physical pressure on the Hawks on the interior and have his own offensive presence, but it enabled him to be more involved as a playmaker as well, evidenced by his 10 assists.
Towns is the X-factor for the Knicks in this series, as he will be in any future playoff success they may have should they move on. Using his physical presence and his offensive skills to the peak of their limit is the Knicks will be able to separate themselves on the floor and allow more of the team to get involved.
Saturday's success was a proof of concept in terms of the effectiveness of a liberated Towns on the floor. What's important for the Knicks now is to take hold of that game plan and make sure it stays a consistent part of their plan of attack for the future.