The Atlanta Hawks came by 23 points during their visit to Madison Square Garden to beat Tom Thibodeau’s New York Knicks 112-99.
Dejounte Murray was pivotal for the visitors with the best score of his NBA career (36 points). Similarly, the Canadian contributed 9 assists, 4 rebounds, 5 steals and a block with a shot of 14 for 27.
“I am a very confident player. And I say this very humbly. I work very hard on my game, ”Dejounte Murray said in the middle ESPN.
Under 28-51 midway through the second period, the Hawks returned to the game with a 29-12 run that left them six points down at half-time.
After passing through the locker rooms, and despite their star Trae Young having to retire after receiving a blow to the eye from Randle, they managed to reverse the situation thanks to a 32-10 scored in the third period.
“DJ (Murray) was great tonight,” said Nate McMillan. “I knew I had to take a step forward with Young’s departure. He found the rhythm and we practically let him manage it in the third and fourth, “he explained.
The aforementioned Young, who returned to the field with protective goggles, scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 passes to the basket, albeit with a 7 out of 22 to the basket. “I feel good, but I couldn’t see with one eye. When I got back on track I didn’t want to launch at all.”
Other visitor highlights were De’Andre Hunter with 21 goals; followed by John Collins with a double double to his credit: 12 points and 13 rebounds.
In the Knicks, which since last year it is customary for them to return after the interval, Jalen Brunson commanded his attack with 20 points; detached from RJ Barrett with 19 points and Julius Randle with 14.
“We got off to a great start. At 23 and up, you obviously hope to win the game. So it was very difficult. Disappointing, but we have to move on, ”Randle concluded.
(Cover photo: Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)