3 Takeways: Knicks vs Hawks, April 6, 2026

1- Jalen Brunson's weakness

Before the 4th quarter, Jalen Brunson had a rough night trying to score the basketball and draw enough space to make a play. He was 5/16 from the field prior to the 4th. 

JB's kryptonite throughout the season has remained taller defenders that can quickly react to his dribble counters. Lengthy and athletic defenders like Scottie Barnes and VJ Edgecombe have given him trouble. Even defenders that aren’t as athletic but have very good footwork to match counters, like Dean Wade, have also bothered him. 

Tonight, it was Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander Walker--my pick for Most Improved Player-- holding Brunson to a difficult night before he exploded for 17 points on 60% in the 4th quarter. Brunson hunted switches onto CJ McCollum or used his speed on Give and Go plays to sneak by Dyson and Nickeil to score.

With the playoffs on the brink, Brunson’s answer to his kryptonite will have to be quick movement, such as off backdoor cuts and misdirections on screens. 

2- Jonathan Kuminga’s evolution

Jonathan Kuminga’s evolution as a team player was fun to witness.  As a passer and secondary ball handler, Kuminga was terrific as he did not cater to his reputation of forcing plays. He was subbed in as someone who could safely handle the ball and have enough athleticism on drives to create a micro advantage, often times making the right reads on drive and kicks.

Even if it didn’t properly show up on the assist numbers–as he only finished with 2–so many of the plays and open shots from the Hawks came from him. JK played 22 minutes and only logged 1 turnover despite the volume of ball handling, proving how reliable he was as a ball handler.

3- Karl Anthony Towns’ defensive woes remain

Karl Anthony Towns’ speed on defense looks like it will not be picking up anytime soon, and that’s unfortunate because the playoffs are right around the corner.

Despite having a good game as a screener, spacer, and a shooter, KAT struggled on the defensive end. This was especially visible in transition where he couldn't get back fast enough, forcing the Knicks to play 4 on 5. His struggles down low were also apparent, as he failed to rotate fast enough to the rim and prevent an advantage.

The Knicks will have to gameplan and build around this immediately for the post-season. To their luck, they have an easier job than other teams to perform that feat due to employing OG Anunoby, who should definitely be on an All-Defensive Team this season. He can fly around off-ball and blow up passing lanes effortlessly, and it becomes easier to do so with hustle man Josh Hart next to him.