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.

On Monday, the New York Knicks hosted the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. The Knicks won by a score of 119-110. Jalen Brunson finished the win with 34 points, one rebound, six assists and one steal while shooting 12/18 from the field and 3/5 from the three-point range in 39 minutes of playing time.