Can the New York Knicks Close Out the Series in Atlanta?
The New York Knicks can close out their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks by winning Game 6 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Thursday, April 30, 2026. After a dominant 126-97 victory in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks hold a 3-2 series lead. To secure the series in Atlanta, the Knicks must replicate the formula from their back-to-back dominant wins in Games 4 and 5.
After losing two straight games by just one point each, the Knicks have outscored the Hawks by 45 points over the last two games. The key will be to keep this momentum going on Thursday night in Atlanta, to avoid a Game 7 in New York. So what did Head Coach Mike Brown and company do differently in Games 4 and 5 than they did in Games 2 and 3 that they can compound on to secure the series the next time on the court?
Ride the “Brunson Burner”
Jalen Brunson is averaging nearly 30 points for the series and exploded for 39 points in Game 5. His ability to score late in the shot clock has neutralized the Hawks’ defensive schemes. Coach Brown needs to maximize the offensive gravity of Brunson following his massive 39-point, 8 rebounds, on 65% shooting Game 5 performance.
In Game 5, Brown used Karl-Anthony Towns as a hub, allowing Brunson to curl around him for open looks. This forced the Hawks’ defense into impossible choices between Brunson’s drive to the basket and Towns’ jump shot.
A critical critique of Brown’s coaching in this series has been playing Brunson with five fouls in previous losses. To keep the “Burner” lit, Brown must protect Brunson from early foul trouble to ensure he’s available for the closing minutes in Atlanta in Game 6. Brunson dropped 17 points in the fourth quarter of Game 5, and Brown’s rotation should aim to keep Brunson fresh enough to handle the primary scoring load when the Hawks’ defense tightens up at home.
Dominate the Glass
To continue to dominate the glass in Game 6, the Knicks must leverage their size advantage and physical style of play that yielded a lopsided 48-27 rebounding margin in Game 5. OG Anunoby (17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals) and Towns (16 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks) have been instrumental in limiting Atlanta’s second-chance opportunities. Continuing to play them together allows New York to smother Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson on both ends.
The Knicks have secured nearly 39% of their own misses this postseason. Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson must continue crashing the paint to create second-chance points, which prevents the Hawks from leaking out in transition.
Atlanta relies on three-point attempts that lead to long bounces. Mikal Bridges and the Knicks’ wings must stay disciplined in their perimeter box-outs to prevent Dyson Daniels and CJ McCollum from snatching loose balls.
Contain CJ McCollum
McCollum was the primary catalyst in the Hawks’ two wins over the Knicks in this series, but was held to just 6 points in Game 5. Using big guards to hound him in half-court sets is key to squashing the Hawks’ offense. To continue to contain McCollum and close out the series, the Knicks must replicate their defensive intensity from Game 5.
Anunoby’s length has been the biggest factor in McCollum’s struggles. By using a 6’7” defender with a 7’2” wingspan, the Knicks can contest McCollum’s high-arcing jumpers without needing to leave their feet. McCollum thrives in the pick-and-roll, but in Game 5, the Knicks consistently showed or “blitzed” the ball-handler, forcing McCollum to give up the ball early rather than getting into his rhythm in the mid-range.
Guards like Hart and Miles McBride must continue to be physical with McCollum before he crosses half-court. Making him work to just bring the ball up the floor drains his energy for late-game shooting. McCollum is dangerous when he finds pockets in the zone. The Knicks’ defense must stay disciplined in their rotations to ensure a hand is in his face every time he catches the ball on the perimeter.
Win the Transition Battle
To win the transition battle and close out the series in Atlanta, the Knicks must force the Hawks to play against a set defense while creating easy buckets for themselves before the Hawks can get back on defense. The Knicks held a 13-4 advantage in fast-break points in their last outing. Limiting turnovers prevents the Hawks from playing the high-tempo style they need to succeed.
Coach Brown’s squad can maintain its edge by focusing on securing the live-ball rebound as transition starts with the board. When Towns or Hart grab a rebound and immediately push the pace themselves, it can prevent Atlanta from setting their defensive shell.
The Hawks’ shooters often linger on the perimeter after a miss, so the Knicks should look for Brunson to hit runners leaking out like Bridges or Anunoby, for layups or corner three pointers. In their two losses, the Knicks’ turnovers led directly to the Hawks’ fast breaks. By maintaining a high assist-to-turnover ratio, New York keeps the game in the half-court, where they have a significant statistical advantage.
What To Expect In Game 6
Game 6 at State Farm Arena will be a high-stakes closeout environment. The Knicks are looking to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the fourth consecutive year, while the Hawks are fighting to force a Game 7 back in MSG. Expect a hostile, sell-out atmosphere in Atlanta. The Hawks have their backs against the wall, and they will try to speed the game up to avoid the Knicks’ half-court grind.
Expect the Hawks to double-team Brunson earlier in the shot clock to force the ball out of his hands. Look for McBride and Hart to play heavy minutes if the starters struggle with the road environment. If Atlanta goes small to increase shooting, Towns must punish them inside to maintain the rebounding edge.
The Knicks are 3-0 in this series when leading after 12 minutes of play. If the Knicks keep it under 12 turnovers, they will likely win. The Hawks’ offensive efficiency is dependent on McCollum’s ability to score. The Knicks have the momentum back, but closing out a series on the road is the hardest of playoff tasks to date.
