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Knicks Notes: Josh Hart 'locked in' defensively, OG Anunoby strong on both ends in win over Hawks
TL;DR
The Knicks secured a crucial Game 4 victory, with Josh Hart excelling defensively against CJ McCollum, limiting him to eight points. OG Anunoby also contributed significantly on both ends of the court.
Key points
- Knicks won Game 4 against the Hawks
- Josh Hart limited CJ McCollum to eight points
- Hart also defended Jalen Johnson
- Coach Mike Brown praised Hart's defensive skills
- Victory was crucial for the Knicks' playoff hopes
KnicksJosh HartCJ McCollumJalen Johnson
ATLANTA -- A few notes on the Knicks’ performance in a do-or-die Game 4 win.
HART OF THE MATTER
The Knicks put Josh Hart on CJ McCollum to start the most important game of their season and Hart delivered. With Hart as the lead defender on McCollum, the Knicks limited him to eight points and three turnovers in the first 20-plus minutes of the game. That allowed New York to build an early 15-point lead.
“Yeah Josh was really good on the ball," head coach Mike Brown said. "Josh is a guy with quick feet, he’s strong and when he gets locked in he’s locked in."
The Knicks also used Hart on Jalen Johnson in Game 4. Johnson had been Hart’s primary assignment earlier in the season.
It will be interesting to see how the Knicks handle MJ – I mean CJ McCollum early in Game 5.
TOO MUCH TOWNS
With Jalen Brunson playing below his standard, the Knicks needed to get production from other sources. Brown said New York changed its early offense during Game 4 and that resulted in the ball landing in Karl-Anthony Towns’ hands.
Towns did the rest. He had 10 points and four assists in the Knicks’ tone-setting first quarter. He continued to make plays throughout the game – whether it was at the elbow or in the post.
“He really put us in a position to win,” Brunson said of Towns, who had his first career playoff triple-double.
The number of touches/shots for Towns has been a hot button around the Knicks all year. On Saturday, they got him the ball and he certainly delivered.
After the game, Hart reiterated that the Knicks need to be deliberate in finding Towns on offense.
“He’s a hub," Hart said. "He’s a guy that can score the ball, but also pass the ball and find guys when they’re open. We have to continue to do that."
OH MY OG
Towns wasn’t the only Knick to pick up the scoring for Brunson. was again strong on both ends for New York. He led the team with 12 first-half points and made life difficult on the other end for Atlanta. He also rebounded the ball well, helping the Knicks take a 14-point lead into halftime.
Q&A
How did Josh Hart perform defensively against CJ McCollum in Game 4?
Josh Hart effectively limited CJ McCollum to eight points and three turnovers, showcasing his strong defensive skills.
What was the significance of the Knicks' Game 4 win?
The Knicks' Game 4 win was crucial as it kept their playoff hopes alive in a do-or-die situation.
Who did the Knicks use Josh Hart to defend in Game 4?
In Game 4, the Knicks used Josh Hart to defend both CJ McCollum and Jalen Johnson.
What did Coach Mike Brown say about Josh Hart's performance?
Coach Mike Brown praised Josh Hart for being 'locked in' defensively and highlighted his quickness and strength.
