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00:01МУЗЫКАЛЬНАЯ ЗАСТАВКА
00:33Time now for the DraftKings player tracker,
00:35Jalen Johnson and Jalen Brunson.
00:37It's the Jalens.
00:38Who do you think is going to score more points?
00:40Brunson a slightly higher average on the season.
00:42DraftKings is the number one sportsbook for live betting.
00:44To get in on the action, download the app
00:46and use promo code DUNK when you sign up.
00:50So glad to have you with us.
00:51Welcome courtside here for game two.
00:52No Eagle, three-time six-man of the year,
00:54Jamal Crawford and Jordan Cornett.
00:55And the playoffs are all about adjustments.
00:57It's going to be fascinating to watch these two teams adjust.
01:00Just to watch the Atlanta Hawks
01:01and knowing they have to move the ball a little bit more
01:03to make that next defense move.
01:05And then for the Knicks,
01:06seeing Carl and the Towns be a hub on offense
01:08to create good luck.
01:10Towns really got involved late in game one.
01:13Took over in that fourth quarter.
01:15Ended with 25 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
01:18It eventually was an 11-point New York victory.
01:22Zach Zarba, Carl Lane, and John Butler,
01:25our three officials tonight.
01:27A whole lot of playoff experience.
01:29Zarba has officiated 174 playoff games.
01:32Carl Lane with 23.
01:35And for John Butler, this is his second.
01:36And what a place to do it.
01:38The Mecca, the world's most famous arena.
01:40Towns and Okong will jump it up.
01:42And we are underway from MSG.
01:45Atlanta will control it, looking to get even 1-1.
01:48The Knicks have an excellent record,
01:50certainly in best-of-seven series
01:52when they have taken a 1-0 lead.
01:53They are 36-8.
01:55The Hawks just 3-38 when trailing 1-0.
01:59Jalen Johnson.
02:00Gonna have to be the facilitator,
02:02but what defense by Hart.
02:03It's the first, the early turnover.
02:05Josh Hart setting the tone early.
02:07Wants to know Johnson,
02:08wants Johnson to know he's gonna be here all night long.
02:11Still a new experience for a lot of these Atlanta Hawks,
02:14getting their first real taste of playoffs,
02:16but they've got great veterans, including McCollum.
02:18As Brunson finds his spot into the paint,
02:20and the fader doesn't go.
02:23Towns crashes hard,
02:24knocked out of bounds, staying here.
02:26Atlanta head coach is Quinn Snyder,
02:28now in his fourth year with the Hawks,
02:29taking them to the playoffs
02:31and hoping to advance them past the first round
02:33for the first time since 2021.
02:35He has been preaching,
02:36moving the defense of New York here in Game 2.
02:38Well, he understands that sometimes
02:40the ball has to be the star.
02:41It has to move around as OG fires up a three.
02:46They also want to do this.
02:47They're going to want to push the pace,
02:48get out, and get pass-break opportunities.
02:50They want to use Dyson Daniels as a facilitator as well
02:53with some early offense,
02:54but the defense by heart
02:56has been suffocating in the first two possessions.
02:58This one's going to stay here.
03:00And Josh Hart is so smart.
03:01He understands the more physical he is early,
03:03the more physical he can be later in the game as well.
03:07Setting the tone.
03:08This is going to be a physical series.
03:12Alexander Walker stripped.
03:15Brunson in transition.
03:17Good defense by Okongwu to adjust.
03:19Now Ananobi running start.
03:21Lost it on the way up.
03:22Out of bounds.
03:25You can just feel the intensity in this building.
03:27I know we're in the guard.
03:28I know we're in the Mecca.
03:29But it's a different level when it's playoff basketball.
03:33Coming into the season for New York,
03:35so many expectations of what this team can do
03:37after getting to the conference finals last year.
03:39Towns on the attack.
03:41Towns hangs and hits.
03:46Mike Brown said getting him touches early
03:49was going to be critical.
03:50A little strong on the three from Johnson.
03:52Long rebound into the hands of Hartwood.
03:54Fourteen boards in game one.
03:56Now it's Ananobi downhill.
03:58Had a strip on a foul on Alexander Walker.
04:03You watch Carl Anthony Towns with the up fake.
04:06One dribble gets all the way to the basket.
04:08That's what the Knicks love to see
04:10when he is attacking with that kind of force.
04:12It puts so much pressure on the Hawks' defense.
04:14Ananobi's going to go to the free throw.
04:15Why is it important to get him those early touches,
04:18get him involved in the way that they're hoping to do
04:20here in the first quarter?
04:21Because we know Brunson is the guy,
04:22but Cat has that 1A talent.
04:24He can take you places.
04:26He always is a matchup nightmare.
04:27He stretches the court.
04:28But an engaged Cat is a better Cat,
04:31not just for him, but for the Knicks squad.
04:35You know that the crowd is certainly going to get involved tonight.
04:37They were loud when C.J. McCollum
04:40came out for his intros.
04:42There was some chatter for McCollum after the previous game.
04:45He was called for a technical on Jalen Brunson
04:47after some contact below the belt.
04:50And he had some choice words
04:52about Brunson's acting skills after the fact.
04:55Now McCollum will get his first real touch offensively,
04:57weaving his way through for two.
05:00That's drills and skills.
05:01When you can just go through like that,
05:02he's just playing like he's drilling.
05:04The Knicks had him in the corner,
05:05and he was just playing with a certain piece.
05:08And he just looked at him like cones.
05:10And they were cones.
05:12We were cones.
05:12Oh, the deflection out of bounds by Daniels,
05:15who was second in the NBA in steals this year.
05:18When they say, C.J., you should have been bobbing and weaving.
05:21That's what they were talking about.
05:22He was just bobbing, going through the defense,
05:24underneath the legs, snakes dribbles,
05:26patience, stops on a dime,
05:27and knocks down the pull-up jumper.
05:29And Jamal, he said that he developed that skill set,
05:31that game from about 10 feet out
05:33with the floater, the short jumpers,
05:34and getting underneath defenders.
05:36Because when he was a freshman in high school,
05:38he was 5'2".
05:39We saw the pitch.
05:40I thought it was A.I.
05:41He was so small.
05:42I just thought it was Jaleel White.
05:44I thought they were doing a Family Matters rerun.
05:47Oh, Josh Hart!
05:51Ain't no love in the heart of the city.
05:53And he delivers in the early going with a major slam.
05:58I see what you did there, Nora.
06:00You're on your New York stuff right now.
06:03Daniels on the dive to the rim.
06:06Getting him involved offensively.
06:08Talked about him as a potential hub,
06:10and that's what Quinn Snyder is hoping to maybe make
06:12as a slight adjustment here in game two.
06:15Yes, he makes such sound decisions.
06:18It's usually the right decision,
06:19so the more he touches the ball, the better.
06:21Hart right back to work.
06:23Over the top of O'Connor, and he's feeling it.
06:26Hart's showing a lot of heart.
06:28This is just...
06:29He's just saying, you know what, I'm going to play with force.
06:31I'm going to play with physicality.
06:32He's playing with a certain temperance right now on the court.
06:34His energy just always seems to permeate
06:37through the rest of his teammates.
06:38He's already done already defensively.
06:40Now he's aggressive offensively.
06:42Johnson looking to retort.
06:44Going right at Brunson with a size advantage.
06:46Over three defenders, and Towns clear.
06:50Brunson had 19 first quarter points in game one.
06:53Set a Knicks franchise postseason record.
06:57Since play-by-play has been tracked.
06:59He can't hit on that three.
07:00East side of the rebound to Hart.
07:01Second chance for Towns on the pump.
07:04Drive.
07:04Oh, hooks it offside.
07:06Good ball moving for Bridget.
07:08And it's a kickoff.
07:10That ball just had good energy.
07:12The way it moved from side to side.
07:14Cat could have shot one.
07:16In the pass, a little bit better pass.
07:18Daniels is right.
07:19Fighting the Towns, and he couldn't bank it in,
07:22but he does draw the contact, and Towns will pick up his first.
07:25Josh Hart running the pick and roll.
07:28Attacking the basket with force.
07:31Hanging on the rim for emphasis.
07:32And then right there, showing the up fake.
07:36Footwork.
07:37Fall away.
07:38When you get those easy baskets,
07:39and you use that energy on defense to start,
07:41it carries over to the offensive side of the ball.
07:45Dyson Daniels last year the most improved player in the NBA.
07:48Heading to the free-throw line here.
07:50Quinn Snyder said if their finalist this year,
07:53Nikhil Alexander-Walker were to win it,
07:55and they get back-to-back MIP winners on their team,
07:57he feels like it would just be such a great credit to his staff
08:00and the job that they've done in development in Atlanta.
08:03And you love to hear that because Coach could make it about himself,
08:06but he knows the work the staff puts in day in, day out,
08:09and he knows the willingness to be coached by these players
08:11that are taking a leap in their career.
08:13They've got an interesting mix on that Atlanta staff
08:16that includes a former head coach, Igor Kokoskov,
08:19and a former player in F.A. Udo.
08:21This is just a drill on the other side.
08:23Josh Hart with his third bucket.
08:26Josh Hart keep playing like this,
08:27and that move's going to be as popular as Josh starts.
08:30O'Connor finds the bottom.
08:34That's been the real elevation in his game this year.
08:37383 three-point attempts in the regular season.
08:40In his first five years in the NBA combined, he had just 233.
08:45Brunson on the fend off.
08:47Kick out.
08:48Swing it.
08:48Hart.
08:49Extra.
08:50Bridges.
08:50Nearly lost it.
08:52Six to shoot.
08:52Hart's three for three to start.
08:54He's going to put it up.
08:56And it falls into the hands of O'Connor.
08:58And this is what the Hawks are going to do right here.
09:00Attack for the Knicks to set their defense.
09:04Daniel Sheffield.
09:05O'Connor with a mismatch now against Brunson.
09:07He'll spin.
09:08He'll float.
09:09But he can't score.
09:12Hart lost it.
09:13And McCollum couldn't knock it away.
09:15It's kicked instead by Josh Hart.
09:18Well, Atlanta this season, fifth in the NBA in pace.
09:22It's not what they did in the regular season in terms of just overall points,
09:25but fast break.
09:26Third and fast break.
09:27Third and points off turnovers.
09:28Way down in game one from what they had grown accustomed to doing,
09:32especially in the second half of the season.
09:33And that's what Coach Snyder said.
09:34We know who we are.
09:35We just have to be that and a little bit better.
09:38Don't try to reinvent the wheel at this moment.
09:40Johnson had it deflected into the hands of heart.
09:42And another turnover.
09:44Brunson set the feet.
09:46Three ball.
09:46Money.
09:56Atlanta wants time.
09:58New York has come out firing in this first quarter.
10:0255% from the floor.
10:04And now you get that heartbreak.
10:06Brunson finishing it off in style.
10:15For New York, 15-9 in the early going.
10:18Let's check in with a third member of our crew, Jordan Fournette.
10:20Yeah, no, Jalen Johnson in the midst of a career year,
10:23and yet he's not a household name.
10:25Key word yet.
10:26But if he continues to stack seasons like this one,
10:29it's just a matter of time for the 6-9 matchup nightmare.
10:32Had a chance to talk to him.
10:33He said he understands the postseason is a different animal.
10:36He spoke candidly, saying he needs to be aggressive for all 48 minutes.
10:40No possessions off.
10:41Every game needs to be played as a game seven, guys.
10:45And look, for Jalen Johnson, this is only his 10th playoff game,
10:49so that experience still coming with each possession.
10:52Same for guys like Dyson Daniels.
10:54Now, four still from Johnson.
10:56He comes up short.
10:57Changes for Atlanta.
10:58Jonathan Kaminga and Mo Gay off the bench.
11:01They like the length.
11:03That Mo Gay provides.
11:05He certainly gives up some of that size in terms of weight
11:09on the inside against Towns.
11:11We're going to go to Towns against Gay here.
11:13Six to shoot.
11:14Let him cook.
11:16Towns on the back down.
11:17Bully ball for two.
11:20Paul Anthony Towns is one of the rare guys
11:22who can play 90-style basketball or today's style.
11:25He can go in the post or hit the three.
11:27That time made it happen inside.
11:30Knicks started 0 for 3.
11:31They've made seven of their last nine.
11:33Kaminga gets doubled.
11:34Bounce it outside.
11:35Johnson just hasn't found a rhythm yet in this first quarter.
11:39Alexander Walker in game one has 17 points.
11:42Three of eight from three, but he loses it here.
11:45Brunson.
11:46Hesitation.
11:47Lost his footing.
11:48Got rid of it and then taken away by Johnson.
11:51Daniels on the attack.
11:52Numbers the other way if he hurries.
11:54Bounce it for Gay.
11:55Attacked in the rim.
11:55He couldn't slam it.
11:56Came up short.
12:00New York has numbers.
12:01Gay is still down on the other end.
12:03It's a five on four.
12:05Open look.
12:05Doesn't go.
12:06Rebound Alexander Walker.
12:08Gay is underneath the basket, sprawled out.
12:11Four on five.
12:12Atlanta either has to call a timeout.
12:13But finally they do.
12:16So Gay, you saw, came up just a little bit short on that dunk attempt.
12:20Remember, this is an Atlanta team playing without Jock Landell,
12:23who's still out nursing an injury.
12:25Take another look here.
12:26Just landed a little awkwardly.
12:28Hit the stanchion and stayed down through the entire position.
12:32We'll check in on Gay when we come back with the Knicks still up by eight.
12:39DraftKings player tracker Jalen Johnson and Jalen Brunson
12:42is who we're keeping our eyes on tonight,
12:43who's going to score more points between the two of them.
12:46It's Brunson early on with three on that early offense triple.
12:51Johnson still scoreless.
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12:56when you sign up.
12:58So, Mo Gay did get up and walk back on his own power to the locker room.
13:02Okong wants to come back in.
13:03Again, one of the main issues for Atlanta,
13:05a lack of depth in the front court.
13:07And so now Mike Brown recognizes it
13:08and gets Mitchell Robinson and Towns in the game together.
13:12against Okongu, Jalen Johnson in the front court.
13:14He's having a shoot for Johnson.
13:16He gets something going right to the body of Robinson
13:18and he gets the foul call.
13:19And that was great for Johnson because he got the heart off of him.
13:23A little misdirection.
13:24They went side to side.
13:25He was able to play a closeout.
13:26Got the matchup with Robinson.
13:28Dances a little bit.
13:30Makes contact and gets the opportunity to get to the free throw line.
13:36Johnson first attempts at the line.
13:38He's 0 for 3 from the floor.
13:40He has one steal but no other stats of note.
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13:55Jamal, you played in a ton of playoff games over the course of your career.
13:59As you went from series to series over the course as your career developed,
14:03the comfort level, what did that feel like
14:06as you kind of got later into your veteran status in your career?
14:09Once you put in your mind that it was going to be a physical war
14:11and you approached it that way,
14:13as Brunson gets fouled,
14:14you were able to make the adjustment.
14:16And that slowed the game down for you.
14:18I think Johnson is waiting to get a couple shots to go.
14:20But he has to know there's a certain level of physical intensity
14:24he's going to have to come with to match Josh Hart.
14:26On top of that, this is the first year that he's really the top guy on the scouting report.
14:31After the trade that sent Trey Young to Washington,
14:34C.J. McCollum comes back.
14:35But really since the trade deadline,
14:37it has been undisputable that this guy,
14:39who is a first-time All-Star,
14:40is going to be number one getting the top defender on the opposing team,
14:43getting all the attention.
14:44There is more responsibility that comes with that for your team as well.
14:48Absolutely.
14:48You go from evolution to being him.
14:51Leak out for Kaminga,
14:52and he finishes through the contact.
14:54A chance for three.
14:57Kaminga, this is who he is.
14:59This is who this Hawks team is.
15:01Attacking, getting in transition, getting stops,
15:04playing with their defense.
15:05Good pass by Daniels.
15:07Kaminga's able to take the contact
15:10and get that and-one opportunity.
15:13Kaminga can be such an X-factor for this team,
15:15coming over from Golden State,
15:16won a title his rookie year there.
15:18So he's got the experience of going deep in the playoffs
15:21and eventually coming away with some hardware.
15:23And Quinn Snyder said that he played a few games
15:26after he got traded from Golden State,
15:27then he got his knee banged up a little bit.
15:30Physical presence defensively,
15:31that is different than the rest of the guys on this team.
15:34This is where he can really help out.
15:35And this guy in the corners is lethal.
15:38Mikkel Bridges with a triple.
15:39And Jalen Brunson had three guys
15:41by half court guarding him.
15:43Teammate was open, he found him.
15:45Kaminga back down.
15:47He went right through, and it's an offensive foul.
15:55Kaminga, three minutes, two personal fouls.
15:58Kaminga, overly aggressive,
16:00led with his elbows a little bit,
16:02and Jalen Brunson got up like,
16:03nah, I'm going to be here, no problem.
16:05I'll take the charge.
16:06We know he's willing to do that.
16:07He's always at the top of the NBA,
16:09and charges drawn.
16:10Such a great team player for a guy
16:12that is the obvious number one option
16:15on a team that is expecting to compete
16:17for a championship.
16:19But a winner at every level, high school,
16:21two championships in college,
16:23trying to add another one now in the NBA.
16:24Open look.
16:26Towns can't hit.
16:27And the rebound knocked out of bounds,
16:28staying here.
16:30And that's what Mitchell Robinson brings to the table,
16:32the way he attacks the offensive rebounds.
16:35Keeps extra possessions going for the New York Knicks.
16:39Robinson, the all-time leader in Knicks franchise history,
16:42at least 20 games played,
16:43and offensive rebounds per game.
16:45He averages four in his playoff career.
16:47That's incredible.
16:47That is incredible.
16:48And he's played in a number of playoff games.
16:52It's not like this is just the first couple options here,
16:55as Brunson took major contact there.
16:57Daniels is going to be called for it.
16:59Brunson looks like he might have got poked in the eye
17:01and as he's slow to get up.
17:04Daniels is saying he was pushed into Brunson.
17:09They just saw it at MSG.
17:13Daniels got pushed and then tripped inadvertently by Robinson.
17:17And they're going to send both of the teams back to their respective benches
17:20and look like they'll go back to the monitor.
17:27Anytime you get that contact high up,
17:30that is where the officials tend to at least go and take another look
17:35to see if this should be upgraded.
17:37Remember, there was that technical foul
17:40against McCollum.
17:40We had the contact to Brunson in game one.
17:43So already some chippiness going back to that.
17:46And Jose Alvarado is certainly making his voice heard.
17:50After the whistle.
17:51The floor is a defensive foul on Daniels.
17:53The play is under review.
17:57Take another look at it.
17:59Battling and fighting off the ball.
18:05I mean, that is contact high,
18:07but it's certainly inadvertent.
18:09It wasn't inadvertent.
18:10And Daniels is saying he was pushed by Brunson into the screen,
18:14and that's why he lost his balance.
18:19But Brunson definitely got hit.
18:21And I thought I saw Rick over there turn to dab mode.
18:24Rick went to the refs like, hold on, now it's my son.
18:26Well, that's your teammate.
18:28You've got three former teammates in this game,
18:30but Rick Brunson was one,
18:31and you said that you knew Jalen, what, seven years old?
18:34Seven years old.
18:34We were shooting in the Virgo Center
18:35when Rick had his curly top walking around like he was the man.
18:40You said let Rick know.
18:41I still appreciate your hair back in the day.
18:43Yeah, I did.
18:44I always let him know.
18:44He can't get it back,
18:45so, you know, everything else is working for him.
18:47After a review,
18:48there is no wind-up or follow-through by Daniels on this play,
18:50and the contact does not rise to the level of the flagrant foul.
18:53Common foul stands.
18:54And it felt like the correct decision,
18:57but Rick Brunson, again, protective father,
19:00trying to plead his case.
19:05So Daniels will keep the personal,
19:08and Brunson will get his bearings together.
19:13Mike Brown brought in this year.
19:15You think about all the success that the Knicks had under Tom Thibodeau
19:17over the last couple of seasons,
19:19including getting to the conference finals last year.
19:21A lot of teams would say,
19:22we're going to run this back.
19:23We're going to keep building on what we've continued to build
19:25the last couple of years.
19:26Instead, they said,
19:28let's get a fresh voice in here.
19:29This was the guy they believed could take them to that next level,
19:32and you brought it up to him.
19:33There's a lot of pressure that comes with that,
19:34but there's also almost an interesting blank canvas
19:38that comes with that,
19:39and he said some of the changes they made midseason
19:40for a lot of teams would be challenging,
19:42but for a group that was as connected as this one,
19:44it really could pay dividends in the playoffs.
19:46It definitely helps.
19:47This group has been together and played more minutes
19:49in the last couple of seasons with that starting five,
19:51so that gives you a certain level of comfort,
19:53and then he changed a little bit to fit this group,
19:56so it's been a good marriage.
19:59He said in particular was the change,
20:01as there's a kick on Daniels,
20:02the change to understand his players,
20:05namely Carl Anthony Towns,
20:07and a mutual understanding from the two of them.
20:09Towns said that he had to adjust to Mike Brown.
20:10Mike Brown had to adjust to Towns,
20:12and you really saw some of that confidence rebuild
20:14over the last 15, 20 games of the regular season.
20:20Brunson with 10 to shoot.
20:21Quiet first quarter after he had 19 in the first in game one.
20:24Looking to go to work on Johnson.
20:27Series of moves.
20:28Brunson couldn't find any.
20:29And they forced the miss.
20:30It's tipped in.
20:31And there's your offensive rebounding king,
20:34Mitchell Robinson.
20:35If Brunson had made that shot tomorrow,
20:37I was going to try that at the Rucker,
20:38because he did such footwork dancing,
20:40got the space he needed.
20:42Of course, Mitchell Robinson got the tip.
20:44I'm not sure which rims are more forgiving,
20:46MSG or Rucker.
20:47Oh, we know.
20:49Open look goes down,
20:50and Okungu continues to shoot with confidence.
20:53And as Okungu knocks down those shots,
20:55that's going to give Jalen Johnson the space
20:57he's going to need to get in the rhythm.
21:01Series of screens for Brunson.
21:03Trying to free him up.
21:04Contested three.
21:06In and out for Bridges.
21:07Offensive forward for Robinson.
21:08And as Bridges cut it through,
21:10but he couldn't finish.
21:14No early offense.
21:15The Knicks get back defensively.
21:17They have held this team out of their fast break
21:19for the first five quarters of this series.
21:22Daniels driving kick.
21:24Johnson being guarded by Hart.
21:26Eight to shoot.
21:27Daniels will let it fly.
21:29Did not shoot it well from three in the regular season.
21:3218.8% from the outside.
21:36Hard-harding with five rebounds,
21:37and Bridges with the aggressive nature
21:38will draw the first foul on Onyeka Okungu.
21:44Watch Mitchell Robinson off the Jalen Brunson miss.
21:48Just all heart.
21:50Athleticism timing.
21:54And this shot didn't go down.
21:56Watch the hustle by Mitchell Robinson.
21:59He just brings so much to the table.
22:01When you're an all-time leader in any stat,
22:03especially in Knicks history,
22:05you've done some special things.
22:07He also is the all-time leader in playoff field goal percentage
22:10in Knicks history as well.
22:12Meanwhile, we talked about the lack of depth
22:14at the center position for Atlanta.
22:16No Jock Landau, who's out until at least game six of this series.
22:20So, Tony Bradley, who played just three regular season games
22:23with Atlanta this year in his eighth season out of North Carolina,
22:26was the 28th overall pick back in 2017.
22:28He actually was selected by Utah
22:30and played for Quinn Snyder
22:31for three seasons there to start his career.
22:34Amazing.
22:34Relationships work.
22:36Not burning bridges and continuing to get better.
22:39He was an elite recruit out of high school
22:41and one season at North Carolina
22:43and hoping he can be a pop for this team in the postseason.
22:46Spray it out.
22:48It's been a quiet start for Alexander Walker again.
22:51Nine to shoot.
22:51He'll spin on Bridges.
22:52Long stride.
22:53Wild attempt.
22:54Doesn't go.
22:55And Robinson rips it down.
22:57Deuce McBride on the floor with Brunson.
22:59Bridges and Enobi and Robinson.
23:01Extra.
23:02And Enobi.
23:03Love.
23:03Robinson slam.
23:15And he's fouled.
23:17He has been feeling himself once he gets downhill.
23:22He's feeling himself like Mac Dre.
23:24But if you watch the Knicks.
23:28Side to side.
23:29Mitchell Robinson started that play and he finished it.
23:32Nice pass by OG.
23:34And right now the Knicks are playing a simple game.
23:37They're connected on defense.
23:38They're sharing the ball in office.
23:40They're not doing anything special.
23:41They're just connected and playing as a true team
23:43and finding success.
23:45Meanwhile Atlanta was so keen on ball movement equaling body movement
23:51against the defense like the Knicks.
23:53As Landry Schammett will check in for New York.
23:55McCollum back on the floor now for Atlanta.
23:59Why haven't they executed at that level yet?
24:02What's New York doing defensively that's really restricting it?
24:04They're in your face and they're playing possession basketball even defensively.
24:08They're not trying to give up an inch or any kind of room for the Hawks to get comfortable.
24:13And you can see right now, especially with Jalen Johnson, not being in any rhythm.
24:17Meanwhile, bad news for Atlanta.
24:19Nikhil Alexander-Walker just walked back to the locker room.
24:22So they already lost Mo Gay earlier in this first quarter.
24:25Now the potential most improved player in the NBA.
24:27Lost for the time being.
24:29And a no-B!
24:33Oh gee, Ken Skye!
24:38McCollum, the silencer!
24:41And he just runs back so cool, like this is what I do.
24:45But oh gee, he was on G-O the way he got up.
24:50Had that jet packed on that jam.
24:54Eight-point ball game.
24:55Another lob.
24:56And another slam!
24:58It's Robinson time in New York.
25:00They're playing Planet Rock and got the Garden Rock and right now.
25:04They are rocking and rolling to Knicks.
25:09Nine assists already for New York in this first quarter.
25:12And a foul is going to be called.
25:13Shamit trying to fight over the screen of McCollum.
25:23Watch Jalen Brunson get down here and throw it up.
25:30Robinson finishing that with no problems.
25:33And now good news.
25:35Nikhil Alexander-Walker checking back into the game.
25:37So, quick break to the back.
25:39And get back out there.
25:41He'll replace Gabe Vincent,
25:42who has been a really steady vet for this team.
25:44A guy who's played in the finals.
25:45Played well in the NBA Finals.
25:47That included 23 points in Game 2.
25:49The lone win in 2023 for Miami against the Nuggets.
25:54But this is where having a C.J. McCollum
25:56and a Kaminga who's a fearless scorer.
25:59That's going to be an offensive foul on Mitchell Robinson.
26:02And look out.
26:03Dyson Daniels didn't like the fact that he walked over the top of him.
26:06And now they could get into it.
26:07Robinson has been known to certainly be willing.
26:10Kaminga has been waiting for an opportunity here.
26:13And Enobi gets in the middle.
26:14And they separate everybody quickly.
26:17And who's the first coach for the Knicks off the bench, Jamal?
26:20You know who it is.
26:21It'd be Rick Brunson.
26:22Yes, it is.
26:24But you know what?
26:24He got his guys over there with him.
26:26I see Sprewell can be Larry Johnson, Starks, Pat Ewing.
26:29He got some backup as well.
26:32Take a look.
26:32This is the issue that Daniels had.
26:34Walk over the top like he was Scottie Pippen after a slam.
26:39You know that.
26:41Dyson did not like it.
26:43Moving on the floor is an offensive foul on Robinson.
26:45And then the altercation will be reviewed.
26:47It's the second foul on Mitchell Robinson.
26:50Which Mike Brown went to that double big lineup after the issue with Mo Gay going to the locker room.
26:57Now Tony Bradley getting the early minutes for Atlanta as a result.
27:01Let's see what they eventually come to here.
27:03It was Daniels who got up and took exception.
27:06And Robinson certainly didn't like the fact that he started chirping back.
27:09Take another look at the entire sequence.
27:11Push.
27:12Offensive foul called.
27:13Robinson says, I'll just make my way over the top.
27:17Daniels says, don't do that.
27:19Robinson says, I don't care.
27:20I'll continue.
27:22I think that's exactly what he just said.
27:24And he said, I will.
27:25You know what?
27:26Yes.
27:26Yes.
27:27I wasn't going to go there, but I'm glad you did.
27:29We got to go there.
27:30We got to.
27:30We're in the garden.
27:32Robinson could have went a couple different ways.
27:35He said, I'm going to go this route.
27:37Daniels took exception to it.
27:38The issue here is that Daniels did make contact with an official as the altercation was going on.
27:44If you go further into the altercation, it looked like Daniels had made a little bit of contact.
27:48Just that initial scuffle, it's playoff basketball.
27:51You feel like tempers are flying high and emotions certainly running wild.
27:55And Robinson also made contact with an official.
27:58So we'll see if either of those guys, maybe they give them a double technical as a result.
28:04But this is what you want to see.
28:05Certainly if you're Atlanta, they felt like they got punched in the mouth in the second half of game one.
28:09And Quinn Snyder was intrigued to see how his youthful, in terms of playoff experience, team would respond here in
28:15game two.
28:15Well, as a young team, you have to fight.
28:17You have to fight for everything, every single time down the court.
28:20Good.
28:21After review, the act of Robinson walking over his opponent is unsportsmanlike,
28:26and it is a single technical foul on Mitchell Robinson.
28:28One shot for Atlanta.
28:32So Robinson's going to be called for the tee just for the walkover, over the top of Dyson Daniels.
28:40So two personal fouls now, a tee on Mitch.
28:44And they're making sure that he's all square on the Knicks bench.
28:51He's in the mode right now.
28:53He has the beard going, he has the, has the fresh out the look going.
29:01He's ready.
29:02He is.
29:02He's in playoff mode.
29:03Yes, he is.
29:04We've seen him in playoff mode.
29:06He is a beast on the boards.
29:08Already has caught a couple of lobs.
29:10Alexander Walker does convert on the tee.
29:13Already some physicality between these two teams.
29:16Playoff basketball.
29:17You talked about it.
29:18Just understanding that you know it's going to be a physical battle every single position out there.
29:23The officials are going to let you play just a little bit more, still within reason.
29:27But these two teams feeling it early here in game two.
29:29And this has to be the mental adjustment you make.
29:31You have to come in on this energy.
29:34When they say keep that same energy, this is what they're talking about.
29:36And the Hawks and Knicks are establishing that tonight in this first quarter.
29:41Johnson, Alexander Walker, McCollum, Daniels, and Kaminga are the five on the floor with Robinson now on the bench.
29:47No town, so small ball on the other side for New York as well.
29:50Shammott, McBride, Brunson, Hart, and Ananobi.
29:53McCollum wants to go to work on McBride, an excellent on-ball defender.
29:56Got screened away over the top, comes up short, and Hart has another rebound.
30:01That's his sixth board in this first quarter.
30:04At six foot four.
30:06Yes.
30:06He had 14 in game one.
30:10Brunson drives.
30:11Brunson finishes.
30:14Good finish right there by Dylan Brunson.
30:18Took that two for one as well with a ten-second difference shot clock and game clock.
30:22Bouncing on the back door.
30:23Alexander Walker extra.
30:24It's Kaminga, but he can't hit the three.
30:27And Ananobi has it.
30:29Knicks will hold for one here.
30:32Oh, nearly ripped by Daniels.
30:34Fourteen seconds remaining in this first quarter.
30:37Knicks led by as many as 11.
30:39Looking to push that even further, potentially here.
30:43Brunson with five in this first quarter.
30:45Three seconds left.
30:46Brunson going to work.
30:47Two seconds left.
30:48He'll put it up.
30:49And he comes up short.
30:50The Knicks led by as many as 11.
30:53They're up by nine as we head to the second.
30:55The NBA playoffs are presented by Google.
30:57Our coverage brought to you by Kia.
31:03Next, we'll see next to Marcus Camby as well.
31:06Stephon Marbury shades on and ready to go here at MSG as we check in with Jordan.
31:10Yeah, Knicks smiling.
31:11Very different vibe, though, in the Hawks' huddle.
31:14It was really fascinating stuff coming from Nikhil Alexander-Walker, who's back in the game,
31:18was a little banged up.
31:18But he was pleading passionately to his guys, saying, we've got to be – we almost had one there.
31:24We've got to be tougher.
31:25We can't be this type of physical.
31:27It will not get it done for us.
31:29We've got to be smart.
31:30But, guys, we've got to fight.
31:32You know, Jamal, it's really interesting to me in the regular season.
31:34I had these two teams.
31:36This is wildly different in terms of the physicality from what we saw at the end of the regular season.
31:41And that was an adjustment for me when I first went to the playoffs.
31:43I really struggled until my friend said, Maul, you've got to think about it like this.
31:47We're playing the 15 in the summer.
31:49It's 14-14.
31:51How that last possession is, that's every single possession of the playoffs.
31:55You have to bring a different fight.
31:56You have to be willing to fight in a good way for your team.
31:59Every single possession.
32:01Whoever does that the longest usually is the winner.
32:03Friendships end on game points.
32:05Literally.
32:06No more talking.
32:07It's over with.
32:09And you're lucky they took the camera off.
32:10I was going to ask you who was the best player over there, just straight talent,
32:13when they showed that Knicks.
32:14See, now I don't even have to answer.
32:15See, I know.
32:16We'll get back to it.
32:17Jordan mentioned the physicality for Atlanta, something that Quinn Snyder was looking for.
32:21He gets Corey Kispert in the game to start this second quarter.
32:24And felt like just not a little bit more of a mature physicality age-wise, experience-wise.
32:29Obviously can shoot it from three.
32:31Then what Zachary Reza Shea does in a playoff setting as a young player.
32:35Believes he's going to be a really good NBA player.
32:37Just isn't quite ready for the road environment yet here.
32:40Oh, what a shot at the end of the clock for Kaminga.
32:43We know he won't have any problem getting up shots.
32:46If they make, miss, or indifferent, he has a certain confidence to him.
32:50They're going to need it tonight, especially with Johnson a little out of rhythm.
32:53Jordan Clarkson on the floor for the first time for New York, along with Ananobi, Shamit, McBride, and Robinson.
32:59Here is McBride.
33:00The cross on McCollum.
33:01Outside for Shamit.
33:03Six to shoot.
33:04Oh, he lost his foot and he gets down hard.
33:06Hit the back of his head and he is down.
33:08It's a five on four.
33:09That's a long ball and it goes down for Alexander Walker.
33:12Shamit luckily is on his feet.
33:14And boy, that did not look good for a guy who dealt with shoulder issues most of last season
33:20and part of this season.
33:22Watch the way his feet just gave out and, yeah, he hits his back directly on the court.
33:27Yeah, that did not look good whatsoever.
33:30I'm glad that he's up because it could have been much worse with those shoes.
33:36Looked like, fortunately, his head actually did not get the majority of that blow.
33:42Didn't make the direct contact with the court.
33:45And Mike Brown just had so many great things to say about Landry Shamit through this season,
33:50about the professionalism and his IQ as a basketball player.
33:53He's been in the playoffs with a number of teams as Kaminga jumped the passing lane
33:57and knocks it out of bounds.
33:59He thought that it was last touched by Ananobi.
34:00Quinn Snyder is looking back potentially at his bench to see if he's correct.
34:05And he is not.
34:07So just keep playing.
34:09But Kaminga is bringing a certain level of physicality.
34:12He's matching the physicality that the Knicks are providing.
34:15And that's why he's getting more successful.
34:17Oh, a strip by McCullough.
34:18Three on one the other way.
34:20Alexander Walker to Kisbert for the deuce.
34:22And that's who the Hawks are.
34:24They get stopped.
34:24They go on a run.
34:287-0 run, to be exact, to get it to within three.
34:32Now their defense is picked up.
34:35Good ball movement ends with Ananobi.
34:38McBride with 10 to shoot.
34:39Shamit goes to set the screen.
34:43Shamit's going to have to work on Kisbert.
34:45Shooter on shooter.
34:46In and out.
34:47Long rebound.
34:48Ricochets into the backcourt.
34:50And McBride does corral it just in time before it would be a backcourt violation.
34:58McBride.
34:58In and out.
34:59McCullough on the run.
35:01Atlanta has not led so far in this game.
35:04Battling back in the early second here with Brunson and Towns on the bench.
35:10Kaminga hands it off.
35:11McCullough on Clarkson.
35:13Oh, Kaminga was open momentarily.
35:14That's way downtown.
35:15Too strong from Kisbert.
35:17Offensive board.
35:19Alexander Walker, a quiet first quarter.
35:21Same with Jalen Johnson who's on the bench.
35:23Alexander Walker lost it.
35:24Poked around to the hands of Kisbert.
35:26Five on four.
35:27Who's the open man?
35:28Deep shot.
35:29McCullough is short.
35:30Long rebound out of bounds.
35:32And you're watching the Knicks defense.
35:33It is so hard right now for the Hawks to get any breathing room.
35:37Everything's under duress.
35:38And that's why for them, getting in transition, getting those easy baskets,
35:41it's going to keep them close and give them a shot at winning this game.
35:45They have to do it on the defensive end.
35:47Their defensive runs are almost like creating another star player.
35:52It's been their calling card over the last couple of years,
35:55certainly under Tom Thibodeau.
35:56But their defensive rating this year is still top ten in the NBA.
35:59Seventh in the league in defensive rating.
36:01Fifth in points allowed for a game.
36:03Fifth in field goal percentage allowed for a game.
36:07Second in steals allowed.
36:10As Robinson cleans up his own mess.
36:14Robinson put a little jelly on that one.
36:17With the spin finish.
36:18I thought he was only jammed.
36:21This guy just goes right to the rack.
36:22Tony Bradley with the easy finish.
36:26Right now the Hawks are finding the side pick and roll after they go side to side with movement.
36:30He's making the Knicks defense move a little bit and giving him some room.
36:33Oh, the lazy pass.
36:35McCollum is all alone.
36:36And he'll rise up with a slam.
36:39CJ can still get up.
36:41And the Hawks are within one.
36:43Timeout New York.
36:48The defense by the Hawks.
36:50Allows CJ to get up.
36:53The Hawks are back in this thing.
36:57Tonight on Peacock.
36:59Check out Peacock performance view.
37:01A whole new way to watch with real-time stats, live shot data, and player tracking.
37:05Dive deeper into the action of Peacock.
37:08Well, Atlanta has brought this back on an 11-2 run.
37:11Feels like the vibes have improved.
37:13What do you say, Jordan Cornett?
37:16Very insightful, CJ McCollum talking about diving into his playoff experience.
37:21This is a guy with a load of a 13-year NBA career.
37:23And he said, look, the garden, it's going to provide a challenge, but it's whatever you
37:26make of it.
37:27Obviously, it has history.
37:28It's a garden.
37:29It's the celebrities.
37:30It's all those things.
37:31It's still basketball.
37:32We have a game plan.
37:33We've been playing it at a high level.
37:35It's going to change from quarter to quarter.
37:37Got to be steady with our counters and just go out there and play our games.
37:40Right now, the Hawks seem to be doing exactly that.
37:44Yeah, they're 5 of 8 in this second quarter.
37:46The Knicks just 1 for 4 and a chance for their first lead in style.
37:50Camigo with a swipe and slam.
37:54That's the Hawks' best offense.
37:56They can get those steals and be aggressive.
37:59They get uncontested baskets.
38:0213-2 run.
38:04Clarkson on the fend-off on Vincent.
38:06And he'll go to the free-throw line.
38:10We talked about Kaminga earlier and how aggressive he is on both ends of the court.
38:14Playing the pass in lanes.
38:17Clear for takeoff.
38:20He just got up.
38:22So easy for him.
38:23Yeah, it was effortless.
38:24Looked like a jet taking off, right?
38:26And his balance is ridiculous.
38:28Quinn Snyder certainly liking what he sees.
38:30And now Mike Brown, for the first time in the series, is going to get Jose Alvarado onto the floor.
38:35Let's take a look at the upcoming playoff schedule tomorrow on Peacock.
38:37NBA playoffs presented by Google.
38:39First round.
38:40Philly at Boston.
38:41Game 2 at 7 p.m. Eastern.
38:43Then NBC and Peacock.
38:44It is Portland and San Antonio at 8 Eastern.
38:47Houston and the Lakers at 10.30.
38:50For more on these games, please go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
38:53And I love what Mike Brown had to say about Jose Alvarado,
38:55who makes an immediate impact with a foul on the floor
38:59as he tried to poke that ball away initially.
39:02And it's going to be Vincent picking up another one.
39:04But we asked him.
39:05He didn't play in Game 1.
39:07These are the hustle plays that you expect from Grand Theft Alvarado.
39:10He didn't play in Game 1.
39:11He was out of the rotation for that win, 113-102.
39:15But he was so active on the bench.
39:17And Mike Brown said, because he's so locked into the game,
39:19I know if I call his number, he's going to be ready.
39:21He's going to provide something right off the wrist.
39:23Right on cue.
39:24He gets to it.
39:25He is the people's champ.
39:27Good pass to Josh Hart in the corner.
39:30Doesn't hit on the three.
39:33Jose plays like everybody would if they got the opportunity to play in the NBA.
39:36Like, I dream about playing out there.
39:37He plays with that kind of focus.
39:39He says it all the time.
39:40He is so blessed to have this opportunity.
39:42He just wants to make the most of it.
39:43As Alexander Walker's off the mark.
39:45And Hart collects his seventh rebound of this first half.
39:48He'll attack on Kispert.
39:50Fend off.
39:50No.
39:51Rebound on Robinson.
39:55Doing what he does best.
39:56Look at the Hawks trying to strike fast.
39:59And it's Alexander Walker circling his way into the paint.
40:01And he kicked it out.
40:02But a lie.
40:03Out of bounds.
40:07But I like what he was thinking.
40:08He was thinking the Knicks have been so good defensively.
40:11We have to try to score before they set up.
40:14But Josh Hart.
40:16Even with him missing that last basket.
40:19It allowed Mitchell Robinson to get great positioning to get the offensive rebound.
40:22Jalen Johnson back on the floor.
40:24He and Nikhil Alexander Walker in the regular season.
40:27Combined to average.
40:3043 points per game.
40:31So far in this game.
40:33They've got a combined 5.
40:365 minutes gone here in the second.
40:37It's McBride.
40:39Long rebound.
40:40And it's tracked down by Clarkson.
40:42Into the paint.
40:43Clarkson bakes it home.
40:46Better playoff 2 feet right there by Jordan Clarkson.
40:48And to your point.
40:49Noah.
40:50I'm sure if the Hawks said.
40:51He's got to have 5 points.
40:52But he'll be down 4 in the second quarter on the road.
40:55We'll take it.
40:56But another deflection by Robinson.
40:58And it's scooped up by McBride.
41:00It's an 8th turnover for Atlanta.
41:02On the fast break.
41:04Hart.
41:04Back.
41:05Robinson couldn't finish but a foul.
41:11And you can see Jose Alvarado just hyping his teammates up.
41:14With all the little hustle plays.
41:16Watch the hustle right here.
41:18By Clarkson.
41:20And he knows how to get a bucket.
41:22Plays off of 2 feet.
41:23Gets inside.
41:23Goes off the window.
41:26Look at this guy.
41:28Energizer bunny.
41:29Didn't play in game 1.
41:31Didn't.
41:31Sulk.
41:32Didn't put his head down.
41:34Just said.
41:34When my opportunity comes I'll be ready.
41:36He didn't play a lot.
41:37Just about 2 minutes.
41:39Just not even 2 minutes.
41:41He's going to go back to the bench.
41:43And again.
41:43A hero in his home city.
41:45And he got Fat Joe off his feet.
41:47I saw those diamonds and that bling come out.
41:49He's saying he went all the way up.
41:52Remix.
41:54Don't miss your chance at 1 million dollars.
41:57Make your playoff picks now with NBA Pick'em Bracket Challenge.
42:00Presented by Castro.
42:01By playing free at NBA.com backslash bracket or on the NBA app.
42:06Well you heard the response for the made free throw.
42:08Mitchell Robinson shot it at 40.8% in the regular season.
42:12And he brings so much to the table.
42:15Every free throw he makes is a plus.
42:17Right.
42:17He just.
42:17He does some of everything.
42:19The Knicks already in the bonus the rest of the way.
42:22They take 1 out of 2.
42:23But it's out of bounds off Kaminga.
42:25Like he even misses the right way.
42:26He knows how to get another possession for his team.
42:31He'll go to the bench.
42:32Towns will officially check back in.
42:34And here's the ovation.
42:42Robinson exits the game as the leading scorer tonight with 11 points off the bench.
42:48See that's the ovation you thought I was going to get.
42:49I did.
42:50I expected you to get that ovation.
42:53Brunson couldn't get the angle but Clarkson does.
42:58What a response.
43:008-0 run after Atlanta took their first lead.
43:03Scores know how to score.
43:04Clarkson getting it done.
43:05Different ways.
43:06Giving the Knicks some energy.
43:08Vincent stepped back.
43:09Bottom on a triple.
43:13And the Hawks leaning on their veterans.
43:16CJ McCollum.
43:17Kaminga's been in big games.
43:18And now Dave Vincent knocking it out on a big time two-point.
43:21Mike Brown coached Vincent with the Nigerian national team where he's the head coach.
43:25Said that was as smart a pickup as any of them at the trade deadline as Daniels forces the turnover.
43:30Get it up ahead.
43:31It's Johnson.
43:32Kaminga was running with him.
43:33New York recovers.
43:34Open look.
43:35Vincent again.
43:36Can't hit that time.
43:38That was a good pass by Johnson.
43:40But that's one of the only times he had a one-on-one situation where he has to try to
43:43take advantage.
43:44He's going through the evolution of what it's like to be the guy.
43:48And being the guy in the playoffs on the road at MSG, no easy task.
44:21Four-point game approaching five to play in the second.
44:23He had a daily uptick after the All-Star break.
44:26He averaged 8.3 assists per game post-All-Star.
44:30The Knicks this season when he had eight or more assists went 21 and 10.
44:34And so far in this game already up to four in just 13 minutes.
44:37And I felt that Coach Brown used him like Iverson was used by Larry Brown back in the day when
44:42they went on that finals run.
44:43They got him off the ball more and more Iverson cuts.
44:46Had people around him.
44:47They complimented him so well.
44:48It seems like Jalen Brunson is so comfortable right now.
44:54Brunson can't convert on the three-point play.
44:57Atlanta down by six.
44:59Johnson trying to find some space.
45:01Daniels spray it.
45:02Okongwu had a block on the outside.
45:04Johnson trying to get there first.
45:06But a foul is going to be called on a loose ball.
45:11Towns is battling underneath.
45:12And Enobi had that closeout.
45:15And with five on the shot clock.
45:17A bailout for Atlanta.
45:18Good block right there by O.G.
45:20He covered a lot of ground.
45:23And the foul happened underneath the basket right there.
45:28By the Knicks.
45:29And they're going to call it on Towns.
45:31It'll be his second.
45:32Meanwhile the second block for Ananobi here tonight.
45:37Alexander Walker will pull.
45:39And hit my three.
45:41And he throws his hand to the sky and say thank you.
45:45Right there a good pick and roll play.
45:47And they got Brunson in action.
45:49Had him play against the closeout.
45:51Alexander Walker got a clean look.
45:53Just his second field goal here tonight.
45:56Back to a three-point game.
45:58Brunson does not have the response.
46:00And it's pulled down by Daniels.
46:03Looking to run.
46:04Okongwu long stride.
46:05Right into Ananobi.
46:06And he's fouled.
46:08Ananobi is going to pick up his second.
46:14And Washington to kill three-pointer.
46:16Good pick and roll with C.J.
46:17McCollum has Brunson playing against the closeout.
46:20Fakes left goes right.
46:22Knocks out a three-pointer.
46:25Getting in transition.
46:26This is who the Hawks are.
46:28This is going to give them the chance to be in this game.
46:31Looks like Rick Brunson was telling Mike Brown to potentially challenge it.
46:35But they talked it over and decided against it.
46:37Going to save that challenge for later in this game as Okongwu goes to the free-throw line.
46:45So Okongwu, seven points and three rebounds.
46:48They got six minutes out of Tony Bradley off the bench.
46:51And in those six minutes, Atlanta outscored New York by eight points.
46:55I would say that's great for the plus-minus.
46:57Yes.
46:58That one knocked up.
46:59Oh, we nearly had a sitter.
47:02A game two sitter.
47:04That's a good omen for the rest of the series if it happens.
47:06You were definitely hoping for that.
47:07I was right.
47:08That's the second best thing to a wedgie.
47:13Let's see whose ball it is is the real question.
47:15It'll be Hawks ball.
47:16So a chance to tire take the lead for Atlanta.
47:19Still feels like they've left opportunities and haven't played at their top level yet.
47:25And you look at them still within two.
47:28Their best player hasn't got a field goal yet.
47:29He's still playing in thought versus just playing the game.
47:330 for 3 from the floor for Jalen Johnson with just two points.
47:37Alexander Walker on the attack.
47:40Had it rejected.
47:42Towns sent it back out of bounds.
47:46Shot clock violation and a turnover.
47:50Good defense right there by the big fella, Carl Anthony Towns.
47:55And he has to get through this quarter, him and OG, without picking up that third foul.
47:59Because that will be devastating for the Knicks.
48:02And for the Hawks, they try to have to put some strings and runs together.
48:05See if they can get three stops in a row to keep this momentum.
48:08But, Jamal, we've heard Mike Brown talk about Carl Anthony Towns defensively through the season.
48:12He told us before the game.
48:13It's all about want to with him.
48:14When he wants to, he can be an excellent defender.
48:17Another example there with a second block as Okongwu is going to pick up foul number two as well.
48:22So, he's now going to be in that same situation.
48:28And Anobi will go to the free throw line for his fifth and sixth attempts of this first half.
48:34Four points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks in 14 minutes of action for OG.
48:45The first Saturday in May.
48:47High fashion meets high stakes.
48:48The Kentucky Derby, where the real photo op is at the finish line.
48:52May 2nd on NBC and Pica.
48:55Talk about high fashion.
48:57Fat Joe coming.
48:59That's just sparkling.
49:00That was unbelievable.
49:01That's not ice.
49:02That's a full ice cap.
49:04That's that new Joe and Jada podcast.
49:06That's that new money.
49:06That's right.
49:07Yeah, maybe we should start a podcast.
49:09Whenever you're ready.
49:10Whenever you're ready.
49:11All right, we'll talk about it after the game.
49:14McCollum step away.
49:16Connects on the three.
49:18And this is why bets matter, right?
49:20McCollum was able to help the Hawks weather the storm when they couldn't score.
49:24Scoring timely baskets.
49:26He's rolling right now.
49:27He's got a game-high 12 on the attack.
49:30Brunson kick it out.
49:31It's Ananobi.
49:33Short on the three.
49:34McCollum up.
49:35And it's going to be staying here.
49:36It's going to be a loose ball foul against McCollum instead.
49:39And free throws for the Knicks and the bonus.
49:45CJ McCollum just dancing off that pick and roll.
49:47Going left.
49:48Hard jab step.
49:49That looks like Dame Lillard, who was like his big brother when he was playing in Portland.
49:53And then the push-off by CJ.
49:55That looks like me when I'm playing the old men's league.
49:59Yeah.
50:00I'm not jumping at the rebound.
50:02You know what?
50:02At least you're in there giving effort.
50:04That's what matters.
50:05I can't move no more like I used to.
50:06It's like when people don't like the gift that someone gave them and say, well, it's the thought that counts.
50:11It's not good when the old man looks at you like, you're supposed to be doing something out here.
50:14You're the NBA guy.
50:15I said, no, that was years ago.
50:16Yeah.
50:17Yeah.
50:17Meanwhile, Hart will attempt the 15th free throw this first half for New York.
50:22But it's been pretty even in that category.
50:2412 attempts for Atlanta so far.
50:26These were actually two of the bottom six teams in terms of free throws made per game this season.
50:32Hawks fifth worst.
50:34Knicks sixth worst.
50:37Both below 17 makes a game.
50:40McCollum drives.
50:42Got shielded initially by Daniels.
50:44Johnson stopped by Hart.
50:46Eight to shoot now for Alexander Walker.
50:48Short roll for Johnson.
50:50Into Bridges.
50:51And they're going to call the block.
50:53Two more free throws coming for Johnson.
50:55Bridges thought he beat him to the spot.
50:58And you love to see Brunson on the low man rotation.
51:01He came over.
51:02He's the last line of defense.
51:03Looks like he was there.
51:05But Johnson avoiding him to get to that left side.
51:10Huh?
51:11Oh, that is.
51:12Yeah, I was close.
51:13It looked like he was there.
51:14And he was certainly out of the restricted area.
51:16So Brunson nearly took his second charge of the night.
51:19Instead, it's going to be Johnson with a chance to get a couple more points on the board.
51:23It's not just the lack of scoring so far for Jalen Johnson.
51:26Three points, but only one rebound.
51:28He still does not have an assist in 14 minutes.
51:31Only three field goal attempts.
51:33And you can see from the very first possession, Josh Hart was like, I'm going to be here all night.
51:37And Hart is winning that battle, the internal battle, the game within the game,
51:41because now he has Johnson second guessing some of what he's doing.
51:45Just his tenth playoff game, but in the first eight of those nine, he was an auxiliary piece.
51:50As Hart got hit in the face, it'll be more free throws for New York.
51:53New York with under three to play and a tie ball game.
52:01There is no throw.
52:05There was a challenge by Atlanta.
52:11See there, they were trying to argue that Josh Hart actually delivers and holds on Dyson Daniels.
52:21The foul was initially called on Daniels, which was his third foul.
52:25But the call does stand.
52:26So Daniels is going to have three personal fouls with 258 left in the second.
52:30And more importantly, Atlanta will not have a challenge the rest of the way in this game.
52:34And especially the way this game is going, it's been tight this first half.
52:38That challenge could definitely come into play.
52:41So we'll see how that all comes together.
52:47Thank you to Zach Jarver for coming over to explain it to us.
52:50So he must be special.
52:52He didn't come over when I was by myself.
52:53No, that didn't work.
52:54No, listen, he's a Brooklyn guy initially, so he's a New York guy living in New Jersey now.
53:00So he's a local.
53:02You said enough.
53:03He's feeling good.
53:03You said enough.
53:04That's it.
53:05He's an excellent official.
53:06I'll tell you that, like, 175th playoff game in his 23rd season in the NBA.
53:10So with the unsuccessful challenge for Atlanta, that now means that Hart will go to the free throw line.
53:17Again, it'll be two more shots for New York, who has been in the bonus for the majority
53:24of this second quarter.
53:27And if you're in New York, Wednesday, everyone's favorite night of drama is back with new seasons of Chicago Med
53:34Fire NPD.
53:35Don't miss New Chicago Wednesday, this Wednesday on NBC and Peacock.
53:39If you're in New York, I think this is where you go inside a car at these hounds.
53:42You're in the bonus.
53:43He's only taken three shots this far.
53:45Establish him inside again to weather this storm with the Hawks making this run.
53:53Under three to play in the second.
53:54Atlanta was down by as many as 11.
53:56They took a one-point lead earlier in this quarter, then battled back after an 8-0 run in the
54:01response from New York.
54:03Pocket pass.
54:04Kaminga.
54:05Through two.
54:06Open look.
54:07Johnson can't hit it.
54:09Brunson looking to push.
54:11Hart on the bounce.
54:13Walking that tightrope.
54:14Stayed in bounds.
54:15Hart.
54:16It's fouled again.
54:16This time it's Johnson.
54:25Josh Hart.
54:27Walking the tightrope like Janelle Monae.
54:31Stayed in bounds.
54:33It was rewarded getting to the free throw line.
54:35No confirmation on his singing voice in that comparison.
54:40But he will get another pair.
54:42And Hart now up to 10 points.
54:45He's got 10.7 rebounds.
54:47Three assists in this first half.
54:48This is a guy that has 17 career regular season triple-doubles.
54:53Has really expanded his game since coming over to New York.
54:56Now in his ninth season in the NBA.
54:5830 years old.
54:59Has the last pick of the first round back in 2017.
55:02Just fascinating for a lot of these guys who end up staying in college a couple years.
55:06Hart.
55:07Bridges.
55:07And of course Brunson all at Villanova.
55:09All stayed for several years.
55:11Won championships together.
55:12But were undervalued going into the draft because they weren't guys who were super young.
55:17Like a Kaminga who gets downhill but couldn't finish it.
55:20Was looking for a foul call.
55:21Wynn Snyder wasn't happy with a shot selection.
55:23And that's why Jalen Brunson.
55:29And the Knicks right now are doing what the Hawks do to most people in the regular season.
55:33They're hitting stops, playing fast.
55:35And getting going before the defense can set up.
55:38McCullough gets it to go.
55:40Plus the foul.
55:42CJ says it's okay.
55:44Once again he calms him down.
55:49CJ has been here before.
55:50You can tell.
55:52Slide to the left.
55:53Slide to the right.
55:55And one.
55:57Opportunity for CJ McCullough.
56:0014 first half points for a guy who for the first time in a long time did not average 20.
56:0618.7 points per game.
56:08He had averaged 20 or more points per game in the previous 10 consecutive seasons.
56:13Consistency.
56:13I remember when I came in the league and I didn't know about his crossover.
56:16He right to left me.
56:17I didn't play defense already but that right to left I was in the hole.
56:21A whole nother place.
56:22I had to get him back with offense though.
56:24He actually has the most seasons of averaging 20 or more points per game for a guy who's never made
56:28an all-star team with those 10.
56:31He's been at an all-star level.
56:33He wasn't rewarded with the game.
56:34But his peers know he's been an all-star talent for a long time.
56:39Absolutely phenomenal career coming out of Lehigh as Alexander Walker can't get the tough one to go.
56:44Approaching 90 seconds to play in this first half.
56:47Tightly contested game two of this 3-6 matchup in the Eastern Conference.
56:51It's Brunson looking to dance on Alexander Walker who's taking the challenge defensively.
56:58Seven to shoot.
56:58Off the bridge of screen.
57:00And Anobi will fire.
57:02And hit over the top of Johnson.
57:08Daylon Brunson was just dancing, mesmerizing.
57:11Found just enough space to get that past OG.
57:15And a foul's going the other way.
57:16It's Okongwu.
57:17And that's going to be his third.
57:26Yep, there was a space for Brunson to slide through.
57:29Offensive foul by Okongwu.
57:31And the good news for Atlanta actually continues to pile because...
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