The New York Knicks are in a difficult spot. Jalen Brunson and his team are suddenly trailing the Atlanta Hawks after back-to-back losses.
Despite entering the series as the higher seed and the favorites, the Knicks are beginning to slip as their first game on the road in Atlanta ended with a 109-108 loss to the Hawks.
âEarly on, they made shots. I think the first quarter, they made shots,” Brunson told reporters after the game, explaining what happened.
GettyJalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on April 06, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
“We were in rotation, and guys are making shots, and we came down the floor and started a little cold, maybe in the game, and they looked up there shooting like 50 something from the two and then like 60 from three, or something like that, or vice versa. But yeah, they were making shots. Being down early, them playing with the lead for most of the game. Us cutting it to four a couple of times. Then in the fourth, obviously taking the lead in the last minute. I like the way we fought back, but itâs a lot of things that go throughout the game that myself can be better at. Missed opportunity for sure.â
How Do The Knicks Approach Game 4?
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 15: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
The Knicks were understandably frustrated with the way they went out in Game 3.
Brunson checked in for 40 minutes and accounted for 26 points, missing all of his threes. Mikal Bridges clocked 20 minutes of action and scored zero points. Josh Hart played for 40 minutes and shot 1-9 from the field for two points.
With the loss looming over the Knicks, Jalen Brunson explained the mentality as they look to move on.
âIt should start after the game,” Brunson said.
“For me, sometimes I like to move on with this day, go to sleep, and then wake up tomorrow and itâs a brand new day. Look at the positives. Look at something to look forward to. Find a way to bounce back, and that positive energy needs to start as soon as possible, for sure, when you wake up tomorrow.â
What’s Next For The Knicks?
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 06: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks converses with CJ McCollum #3 of the Atlanta Hawks after their 108-105 win at State Farm Arena on April 06, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Friday is an opportunity for the Knicks to rest and regroup.
On Saturday night, the Knicks and the Hawks will return to the court for Game 4 in Atlanta. At this stage of the series, the Knicks are running out of room for error.
Game 4 will be a must-win for New York, as a 1-3 deficit going back to New York would drastically drop the odds of moving on.
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