Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Playing in their first Christmas Day game since 2018, the New York Knicks gave the Madison Square Garden crowd plenty to cheer for with a 101-87 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
The Knicks entered this game having lost nine of their past 12 games to fall four games under .500.
Atlanta was once again playing short-handed with nine players unavailable because of health and safety protocols. Clint Capela did make his return after missing the previous two games.
The Knicks took control early with a 23-8 lead midway through the first quarter. The Hawks didn’t go quietly, but ultimately they were unable to make up the difference and suffered their eighth loss in the past 12 games.
Each of New York’s five starters was at least plus-12 in the win. Julius Randle and Evan Fournier led the way at plus-21. The duo combined for 40 points and 17 rebounds.
Kemba Walker posted the third triple-double of his career. The 31-year-old didn’t have an efficient scoring game, shooting just 3-of-12 from the field, but he made up for it with 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
On a day when very little was going right for the Hawks, Delon Wright and John Collins at least put forth a good effort. They each scored 20 points in the loss. Cam Reddish was the only other Atlanta starter to finish with at least 10 points.
Notable Game Stats
- Julius Randle (NYK): 25 points (9-of-15 FG), 12 rebounds, 3 assists
- Evan Fournier (NYK): 15 points (6-of-12 FG), 5 rebounds, 3 assists
- Kemba Walker (NYK): 10 points (3-of-12 FG), 12 assists, 10 rebounds
- Delon Wright (ATL): 20 points (8-of-13 FG), 4 rebounds, 3 steals
- John Collins (ATL): 20 points (7-of-18 FG), 8 rebounds
- Cam Reddish (ATL): 10 points (4-of-15 FG), 6 rebounds
What’s Next?
The Hawks will host the Chicago Bulls in the first game of a home-and-home series on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Knicks will begin a four-game road trip against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
This article will be updated to
provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
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