In the aftermath of the New York Knicks’ Game 2 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, several contributors and decisions came under scrutiny as the team let a late lead slip away.
Jose Alvarado provided a spark off the bench in the loss, Zach Braziller of the New York Post notes, contributing three assists, two rebounds, and energetic defense in just nine minutes of action.
Mitchell Robinson also stood out, recording 13 points, seven rebounds, a steal, and a block in 18 minutes.
From a critical perspective, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post points to several factors behind the late collapse, placing responsibility on head coach Mike Brown, Jalen Brunson, and OG Anunoby.
Brown’s timeout management came into question, Brunson struggled defensively against CJ McCollum, and Anunoby had a costly turnover along with two missed free throws late.
James Edwards III of The Athletic also attributes much of the loss to Brown, citing both his handling of timeouts and lineup decisions.
With Brunson and Towns starting the fourth quarter on the bench, Atlanta seized momentum and went on a run.
Brown defended that choice afterward.
“We’ve played that lineup quite a bit at the end of the season,” he said. “That lineup’s been pretty good. We weren’t good tonight and we turned the ball over a few too many times during that period.
“But we had opportunities where our starters were in, and we were up eight to 10 [points] and Atlanta closed it. So I wouldn’t just say that specific lineup caused it.”
Knicks Notes: Game 2 Collapse, Towns, Alvarado, Robinson, Brunson, Brown, Anunoby https://t.co/MsQzC4dwwt pic.twitter.com/hLyROZ8953
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 22, 2026
