Shorthanded Knicks come out flat against Hawks in one of their worst losses of season

This was no way to start the new year. 

The Knicks came out flatter than a pancake for their first game of 2026 and produced one of their worst performances of the season. 

For what should have been the last possession of the first half, Jalen Brunson, who was under no pressure from the defense, was too slow walking the ball up the court and was called for an eight-second violation.

Kristaps Porzingis attempts a shot during the Hawks’ Jan. 2 loss to the Knicks. Charles Wenzelberg

That lack of focus and unforced error was a perfect encapsulation of their uninspiring showing as the Knicks fell, 111-99, to the Hawks on Friday night at Madison Square Garden. 

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They were shorthanded, with a major hole at center without Karl-Anthony Towns (illness) and Mitchell Robinson (load management).

And they were still without Josh Hart (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder).

It certainly showed. 

Jalen Brunson tries to drive to the basket during the Knicks’ Jan. 2 loss to the Hawks. Charles Wenzelberg

The Knicks, after a three-game win streak, have now dropped two straight ahead of a tough back-to-back with the 76ers coming to town on Saturday.

And since their NBA Cup triumph, they are just 5-4. 

They showed more life in the fourth quarter — they started the quarter on an 11-0 run to cut their deficit to 13 and provide the MSG crowd with some juice.

But two straight threes from Luke Kennard re-established a 19-point Hawks lead.

The Knicks cut the deficit to 11 with just under four minutes left and nine with 1:29 left, but never got closer.