Photo: Getty Images

By Cyreel Zarate

The Atlanta Hawks sustained their winning form after defeating the New York Knicks on Saturday (PH time) at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Holding a slim 47–43 advantage with over five minutes remaining in the second period, the Hawks pulled away with a 13–4 run to close the first half ahead, 60–47. Atlanta dictated the pace for most of the contest despite New York trimming the deficit to nine on a Mikal Bridges three-pointer with 1:29 left in the final canto.

Onyeka Okongwu sealed the win with a layup and one of two free throws, as the Hawks secured back-to-back victories to start the year after dropping seven straight games.

Okongwu and Nickeil Alexander-Walker led Atlanta with 23 points apiece, while Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double of 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson paced New York with 24 points as the Knicks played without star center Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Hawks will head to Toronto to face the Raptors, while the Knicks will host the Philadelphia 76ers.