Jalen Brunson, Knicks Beat CJ McCollum, Hawks in Game 1 as Fans React to NBA Playoffs Win

Jalen Brunson powered the New York Knicks to a 113-102 win over CJ McCollum and the Atlanta Hawks at home on Saturday.

Behind 28 points from the All-Star guard, New York secured Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.

In addition to his 28-point performance, Brunson added five rebounds and seven assists to lift the New York Knicks to the win.

The 29-year-old guard is coming off a strong regular season in which he averaged 26 points per game, ranking 10th in the league.

Karl-Anthony Towns exploded for 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks after a quiet first half.

The big man's size and versatility proved too much for the Atlanta Hawks, as he took over on both ends and erupted in the fourth quarter.

OG Anunoby added 19 points and eight rebounds, while Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart each scored 11. Hart also pulled down 14 rebounds.

The New York Knicks shot an efficient 48 percent from 3-point range and went 25-of-30 from the free-throw line, compared to 12-of-19 for the Atlanta Hawks. New York also created separation in transition, finishing with 22 fast-break points.

Behind 22 points from Brunson, the New York Knicks took a 57-55 lead into halftime. Anunoby added 11, while the rest of the starters combined for 17.

Atlanta was paced by McCollum with 17 points. Jalen Johnson chipped in 10, and Onyeka Okongwu added 12 at the break.

Both teams traded blows out of halftime before New York created separation, taking a nine-point lead into the fourth quarter.

The Knicks took control in the final period, using a late 10-0 run to put the game away.

The winner of the Knicks-Hawks series will advance to face the winner of the No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers matchup.