Jalen Brunson’s 39-point Game 5 propels Knicks into series lead over Hawks

The Knicks have pushed the Hawks to the brink.

Behind Jalen Brunson’s 39-point performance, the Knicks crushed the Hawks 126-97 in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.

CJ McCollum loses the ball to Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart during the second quarter of the Knicks’ 126-97 Game 5 blowout win over the Hawks on April 28, 2026 at Madison Square Garden. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

Jalen Brunson, who scored a game-high 309 points, reacts on the court during the Knicks’ Game 5 blowout win. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

The Knicks now lead the series 3-2 and can advance to the second round with a win in Atlanta on Thursday night.

OG Anunoby (17), Karl-Anthony Towns (16), Jose Alvarado (12) and Jeremy Sochan (10) joined Brunson with double-figure point totals.