NEW YORK — Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau entered Monday’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks knowing full well the challenge ahead. Twice this season, the Hawks’ defense, anchored by Dyson Daniels, had stymied Jalen Brunson,

But Jalen Brunson had another target in mind. While he would never acknowledge it and certainly would never admit it, but in the flow of trying to lift the Knicks to a much-needed win, he also was attacking Atlanta’s defensive stopper, Dyson Daniels. Daniels had begun to garner a reputation for frustrating Brunson.

Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks ' 140-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks took the team's color commentator, Walt Frazier, into a nostalgic trip. As the Madison Square Garden crowd cheered on Sunday, with Jalen Brunson on the bench, Frazier recalled a legendary Knicks teammate. Frazier compared Brunson to a Knicks legend.

Jalen Brunson scored 44 points (shooting 5-of-10 on 3-pointers) with five rebounds and six assists to lead New York. He might have gotten 50 if he hadn't left the game with a shoulder injury in the third quarter. The Knicks also got a star performance from Karl-Anthony Towns with 30 points and 18 rebounds.

Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Brunson now boasts 17 games with at least 40 points as a Knick, tying him with Carmelo Anthony for the third most in franchise history. Patrick Ewing, who achieved the feat 30 times, and Bernard King, who did so 23 times, are the only players in Knicks history with more 40-point games.

The Milwaukee Bucks had their three-game losing streak snapped in a 140-106 loss at Madison Square Garden vs. the New York Knicks.

Jalen Brunson scored 34 points to lead the Knicks to a 119-110 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. It was the 68th 30-plus point game in Brunson's career as a Knick, and it helped improve to 28-16.