Barrett, Randle power Knicks past Hawks for 3rd straight win

New York Knicks guard Alec Burks (18) dribbles around Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) as he goes to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, in Atlanta. (Butch Dill/AP Photo)

RJ Barrett scored 26 points, Julius Randle added 24 and the New York Knicks beat the Atlanta Hawks 117-108 on Saturday night for their third straight victory.

The Knicks improved to 22-21, the first time they’ve been over .500 since Dec. 2. They have won five of six, but began the night in 10th place in the Eastern Conference.

“It’s a great team win,” Barrett said. “They really fought back, but a number of us made plays down the stretch. It was fun to watch. (Randle) played great tonight. He really got going in that second quarter and carried it through tonight big time.