Anunoby Slam Lifts Knicks Past Hawks in Playoff Opener

OG Anunoby threw down a thunderous slam early in the second half of Game 1 against the Atlanta Hawks on April 29, 2026. The dunk sparked a run that helped lift New York to a 112–107 win and a 1–0 edge in the Eastern Conference first round.

Jalen Brunson poured in 28 points and Julius Randle pulled down 12 boards as the Knicks used depth to answer Trae Young’s 31. The bench added 22 points, and the home crowd felt a surge when Anunoby rose for the jam that flipped the mood.

Knicks lean on defense to set tone

New York entered the playoffs after a 48–34 regular season and ranked among the league’s best at limiting points. The dunk followed a fast break started by Mitchell Robinson, showing how the Knicks turn stops into chances. That flow let New York build a lead it protected late.

Tom Thibodeau praised the group for sticking to their habits. The front office brass likes that this team can win ugly or pretty, and the slam gave fans a pretty moment to carry into Tuesday.

OG Anunoby shows two-way impact

Anunoby logged 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals while shooting 5-of-9 with a .556 true-shooting percentage. His defensive rating of 101.2 was among the best on the floor, confirming his rep as a reliable two-way player. His plus/minus of +6 showed he made winning plays when on the court.

Atlanta tried to answer with perimeter fire, but New York stayed poised. The Knicks mixed cuts and threes to keep the Hawks off rhythm, and Anunoby’s energy set the pace.

Series edge shifts to New York

With a 1–0 lead, the Knicks look to protect home court in Game 2. OG Anunoby’s ability to finish at the rim and bother ball handlers gives New York a weapon it can use all series. If the Hawks cannot slow the run game that produced the slam, they may spend long stretches watching New York celebrate.

The NBA Playoffs East First-Round page featured the dunk, a sign it will echo as the series moves on. New York hopes to ride that energy into a deep run, and OG Anunoby will be asked to keep soaring.

New York has won openers before, but this one felt different. The crowd roared, the bench sparked, and a forward who loves the moment delivered. That mix can carry a team far in May.

Atlanta must now solve a defense that trusts its hands and feet. The Hawks will test New York from deep, but the Knicks have shown they can live in the mud and still win. OG Anunoby is fine with that.