Towns' triple-double helps Knicks even series

ATLANTA — Karl-Anthony Towns won’t be confused for Magic Johnson anytime soon, but he channeled his inner Magic Man to help the Knicks get even with the Atlanta Hawks.

Towns’ 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists was a catalyst in the New York Knicks regaining home-court advantage with a decisive 114-98 win at State Farm Arena, tying the first-round series at 2-2.

Towns wears No. 32 in honor of Johnson, who had 30 postseason triple-doubles in his storied career. Saturday was Towns’ first feat in 54 career playoff games.

“It means a lot,” Towns said. “Like Magic, I always talk about impact and winning, and to be able to amplify my teammates is one of the greatest honors.”

Towns never had more than five assists in a playoff game, but with the Knicks facing the prospect of going down 3-1, they needed to add a wrinkle — and it was Towns operating as a hub on offense. He found cutters and shooters, especially OG Anunoby, who was one of the few Knicks who played consistently in Atlanta. Anunoby was the beneficiary of five of Towns’ assists, on his way to 22 points and 10 rebounds.

“He’s a special talent,” Anunoby said. “He can do it all. I know if I get open, he’ll find me. No matter how tight the window is, he’ll find me. It’s amazing playing with player like him.”

In recent days, focus has been on Towns’ usage, or lack thereof considering how effective he’s been when utilized as a focal point. The Knicks losing the past two games by one point each prompted discussion of Knicks head coach Mike Brown possibly benching starter Mikal Bridges because of his underperforming play.

Had the Knicks suffered another loss, panic would’ve been at the door, especially with the Knicks having massive Finals or bust expectations. Tuesday night’s Game 5 would’ve been anxiety inducing for everyone.

But the Knicks played as close to their capabilities as they have in any of their matchups with the Hawks this season.

Josh Hart spearheaded the Knicks’ effort on defense, spending more time on CJ McCollum as well as Jalen Johnson. They never allowed the Hawks to get into a rhythm and forced them into a miserable night shooting — 10 for 41 from 3-point range.

And offensively, especially with Jalen Brunson struggling with his shot, the Knicks ran their offense through Towns.

“I just feel like opportunities presented themselves, and my teammates made it happen today,” Towns said. “They made great cuts and allowed me to make those plays.”

Brown didn’t intimate that working through Towns was the game plan, but things happened to flow in his direction.

“We were trying to find different ways to give KAT the ball,” Brown said. “We just switched our early offense up and it happened to fall into his hands quite a bit.”

It seemed to work as the Knicks jumped on the Hawks early and never let up, putting up their most consistent effort in this series. The lead ballooned to 19 in the third quarter and the Hawks never truly threatened after.

Brunson scored 19, and after being targeted the last couple of games on defense, fought harder to provide resistance on McCollum and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the winner of the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.

“I think we refocused and understood what was going to be needed tonight,” Brunson said. “More importantly, not being afraid to fail is a mindset we need to have, to go out there and leave it all out on the table.”