On a night where they were missing key rotation players, the New York Knicks leaned heavily on their star power. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a monster performance with a season-high 36 points and 16 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson added 34 points, as New York narrowly escaped Atlanta with a 128-125 victory over the reeling Hawks.

The Hawks’ woes at State Farm Arena reached a new low, as the loss marked their sixth consecutive defeat and a devastating 0-5 finish to a homestand. Atlanta now sports a dismal 5-11 record on their home floor this season.

Towns was a force, particularly from the charity stripe, knocking down 17 of his 18 free throw attempts. His presence inside was a major factor in the Knicks’ commanding 56-38 advantage on the glass, providing New York with crucial extra possessions throughout the contest.

Just when it seemed the Knicks might pull away, the Hawks staged a desperate late rally. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who poured in 25 points, came up with a steal and basket with 48 seconds left to give Atlanta a fleeting 125-124 lead. The momentum was short-lived, as OG Anunoby calmly sank two free throws to put New York back on top. Anunoby then sealed the game, stealing a pass from Trae Young and icing it with two more clutch shots from the line.

Despite the loss, the Hawks saw standout performances from Onyeka Okongwu, who led all scorers with 31 points and 14 rebounds, and Jalen Johnson, who recorded his 13th straight double-double with 20 points, 12 assists, and nine boards before fouling out in the final minute.

The Knicks were shorthanded, holding out Josh Hart (right ankle sprain) and Deuce McBride (left ankle sprain). Rookie Mohamed Diawara got the spot start in Hart’s place. The absences forced the coaching staff to manage minutes carefully. “I hope I don't have to increase guys' minutes,” said Knicks coach Mike Brown before the game.

Atlanta's own star guard had a quiet night. Trae Young, playing on the second night of a back-to-back for the first time since returning from a 21-game absence with a knee injury, was held to just nine points, though he did distribute 10 assists.

Anunoby’s all-around contribution of 15 points and 10 rebounds was vital for the Knicks, who have now won nine of their last eleven games and are building momentum with two straight victories.

The Knicks now travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, while the Hawks look to stop their skid on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder, also on Monday.