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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 09: Og Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 09, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks overcame an off Jalen Brunson game to defeat the Atlanta Hawks, 113-102, in Game 1 of the first round Saturday evening. 

Brunson got off to a scorching start by pouring in 12 points in the first five minutes of regulation, but the 29-year-old Knicks star quickly cooled off after Atlanta’s defense tightened up.

In case you missed the frenzy inside Madison Square Garden, just replay the moment Jordan Clarkson snaked a Mitchell Robinson screen before throwing it up to the big man for the big-time jam.

But there was a moment that the delirium inside the Garden was zapped. When the side of OG Anunoby’s left ankle touched the floor. A nearly fully 90-degree bend. 

It looked very concerning the way it happened. Anunoby stayed down for a few moments before gingerly walking back to the Knicks bench. 

Typically when a player’s ankle buckles that severely, it is at least enough to end their night. It’s not uncommon for some players to miss several games. 

Anunoby has shown all season how indispensable he is for this New York team as a two-way beast. Having him play at anything less than 100% health is dangerous to the Knicks chances of going further.

New York Knicks Get Update on Star After the Game

A 6’7” frame carrying 240 pounds of muscle, Anunoby sure appears like he is built to withstand even the toughest of injuries. 

But no one has quite literally ever walked away from a harsh ankle turn like nothing happened. Those hurt badly. 

Anunoby was fortunate enough to shake off the pain and come back into the game. On the night, the 28-year-old New York star finished with 18 points on a hyper-efficient 66% shooting from the field and the 3-point line in 38 minutes of intense playoff action. 

GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 06: Og Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks attempts a shot against Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

After the game, Anunoby cleared the air on his ankle injury scare.

“It’s OK,” he said, according to the New York Post. “I just rolled it; it just happened.”

Phew. That sure is a relief for the Knicks, who took a 1-0 series lead yesterday. 

New York has dealt with injuries here and there, but fortunately nothing too major. The team is fully healthy and positioned to make a run and a quick series against the Hawks can help facilitate some rest before a tougher round two matchup.

Looking to Take Care of Business in Round One

Of course, the Hawks are no-joke. Few expected the Knicks would walk over them in this series even though New York’s playoff experience grants a greater advantage. 

Atlanta was one of the NBA’s hottest teams after the trade deadline. Stars Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker perhaps finished the regular season as neck-and-neck candidates for the Most Improved Player award. 

Of course, that doesn’t mean much for them in the playoffs but is enough to illustrate how formidable the Hawks can be at their best. 

A 1-0 lead is momentum-boosting, but all playoff teams are expected to defend their homecourt. They often say a series doesn’t start until the road team gets its first home game. 

There is plenty of work left for the Knicks.