The New York Knicks ignited the excitement of their fans with a thrilling 149-148 overtime victory against the Atlanta Hawks on February 13, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson played the hero, nailing the go-ahead jumper with just 11.1 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the game for the Knicks just before the All-Star break.
This game wasn’t without its challenges. The Knicks allowed the Hawks to claw back from what seemed like certain defeat. The Hawks had bricked their way through three quarters before suddenly finding their stride late, tying the game at 137-137 thanks to two late free throws from Trae Young. What followed was English theater on hardwood, with pulse-quickening transformations and heart-stopping moments befitting the teams' rivalry.
Karl-Anthony Towns was pivotal during the match, not only for his impressive leadership on the court but also for scoring 44 points, making halftime adjustments palpable. This performance marked his second consecutive game with over 40 points, joining the ranks of previous Knicks stars who managed such impressive statistics.
Brunson spoke about the urgency of the moment and the need to come away with the win, stating, “It’s great to gointo the break with a win no matter how we got it or what happened. I’m just happy we fought through, regardless of what we did positive or negative.” His calm demeanor during crunch time contrasted sharply with the frenetic pace of the closing minutes.
The match was riddled with dramatic turns. The Knicks seemed safe with what looked like a comfortable six-point lead just 10 seconds away from victory, but the Hawks weren’t done yet. Mikal Bridges and his mates fell victim to some bizarre lapses, including missing free throws and costly turnovers, leading to Young forcing the game to overtime.
Young, who was well known to Knicks fans for his clutch performances, finished the game with 38 points and 19 assists. Yet, even he couldn't claim victory at the buzzer when, during overtime, he missed what could have been the game-winner — his floater ricocheting off the side of the backboard. The missed shot of his teammate Georges Niang at the end of regulation, underscored how close the game got to slipping away entirely from the Knicks.
The entire Knicks starting lineup logged impressive minutes, with every player on the floor for at least 42 minutes. Coach Tom Thibodeau praised the team's resolve: “I love the resolve to have the thingsthat happened at the end of the game to gointo overtime and just find away to win, andthat’s what this teamhas doneallyear.” His confidence was bolstered by their recent performance, as this marked the Knicks’ ninth win out of eleven games, keeping them firmly positioned within the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Even with the struggles of the match, the bright spots were clear, particularly Towns, whose ability to dominate the paint was integral to the game’s success. “I would’ve needed a therapist if [that would’ve been a loss],” Towns candidly mentioned, reflecting the somber reality of almost throwing the game away. His passion for the game and the urgency to secure victories was evident.
The game showcased not just the individual brilliance of players but also the importance of teamwork and tenacity. It highlighted the ups and downs of competition, mirroring the highs and lows teams experience throughout the season. With the All-Star break on the horizon, the Knicks walked away with victory, providing them with ample momentum to tackle the next phase of the season.
Moving forward, the Knicks look to build on this upward trend as they prepare to host the Chicago Bulls after the break. Meanwhile, the Hawks will face the Orlando Magic, needing to rebound after narrowly missing another win against one of their foremost rivals. Basketball fans relish this kind of excitement, and these games remind them why they tune in repeatedly to see what spectacular moments will emerge next on the court.