New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 112-107 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series, seizing a critical 1-0 advantage. The Knicks' aggressive defense stifled Atlanta late, with Jalen Johnson’s ill-advised pass leading to a Mitchell Robinson steal that shifted momentum. Jordan Clarkson's clutch 1-foot two-pointer with 6:52 remaining proved pivotal, while his offensive rebound at 6:56 extended New York’s lead.

The Hawks’ struggles continued as Miles McBride missed a 26-foot three-point attempt at 6:59, keeping the score tight. Substitutions at 7:19 saw Onyeka Okongwu replace Tony Bradley and Jalen Johnson enter for Corey Kispert, altering the Hawks’ defensive schemes.