Game Recap: Knicks vs. Hawks
ATLANTA — Mike Brown opened the game predictably enough, maintaining his starting lineup. However, he also wrapped up the game in the same manner, which has sparked some concerns regarding Mikal Bridges.
Ahead of Game 4, when the Knicks hinted at a potential shakeup in their starting five, Brown decided to stick with Bridges. In the matchup on Saturday night, which saw the Knicks square off against the Hawks at State Farm Arena, Bridges managed to score eight points in 19 minutes. This game ended with the series tied at 2-2.
While 19 minutes may raise eyebrows for a starter, there was a rationale behind it. Bridges left the game with 7:34 remaining in the third quarter and did not return, as Miles McBride took his place on the floor. This decision mirrored a trend from the previous game, where Bridges also spent a significant part of the second half on the bench.
“In the end, I felt that [McBride] was effective,” Brown mentioned. “They were doubling up on Jaylen [Brunson]. When that happened, [McBride] hit some crucial three-pointers. If a player is performing well, they usually stay on the court. That’s what counts.”
Jose Alvarado, who seemed to have fallen out of playoff contention earlier, has made a noticeable impact recently. In Saturday’s game, he scored six points in 14 minutes and showcased his characteristic intensity. After entering late in the first quarter, he got involved in a brief scuffle with Muhamed Gueye, which led to a technical foul being assessed to Gueye.
Alvarado’s success has come at the expense of Landry Shamet, who only saw time during garbage minutes and appears to be out of the rotation for now.
“He was enormous for us,” Brown praised Alvarado. “He knocked down a couple of significant threes and was committed to his shooting. His performance, particularly with Jaylen out, brought much-needed energy to our play.”
In another note from the game, Jalen Brunson moved up the franchise’s playoff scoring list, surpassing John Starks to claim the fourth spot in total points.
