New York Knicks Eliminate Atlanta Hawks In Historic Performance, Storming Into Round 2 Of NBA Playoffs
The New York Knicks didn’t just eliminate the Atlanta Hawks; they dominated them. In one of the most lopsided playoff performances in NBA history, the Knicks stormed into State Farm Arena and unleashed a 140-89 demolition to close out the first round, winning the series 4-2.
With a record-shattering first half, a barrage of star performances, and a defensive stronghold that suffocated Atlanta from the opening tip, the Knicks now surge into the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They’ll face the winner of the Boston Celtics-Philadelphia 76ers showdown, currently deadlocked at 3-3.
A Halftime Lead For the Ages
The Knicks didn’t just start hot; they set the building on fire. By halftime, New York led 83-36, a jaw-dropping 47-point margin, the largest in NBA playoff history. The opening 39-15 blitz left the Hawks stunned and scrambling for answers they never found.
New York shot a blistering 65% in the first half, while OG Anunoby nearly outscored the entire Hawks roster by himself with 26 points. Atlanta, meanwhile, sputtered to under 30% shooting and coughed up 11 turnovers before the break.
With the game essentially over by intermission, the Knicks were able to rest their starters for most of the second half, a luxury rarely seen in a closeout game.
Stars Take Over, and a Redemption Arc Steals the Spotlight
Anunoby led all scorers with 29 points, 26 of them coming in the first half avalanche. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a smooth triple-double (12 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists), his second of the postseason. Jalen Brunson controlled the tempo with 20 points and 7 assists in just 26 minutes of play.
Josh Hart brought his trademark chaos with 10 points, 9 boards, and 4 assists, while Miles “Deuce” McBride lit up the bench with 15 efficient points. But the night’s most electric storyline belonged to Mikal Bridges.
After being benched earlier in the series for cold shooting and tough outings, including a missed game-winner in Game 2 and a scoreless Game 3, Bridges erupted for 24 points on a scorching 10-of-12 shooting. From slump to spark plug, Bridges’ turnaround became the emotional heartbeat of the clincher.
A Defensive Clinic That Broke Atlanta’s Spirit
If the offense was explosive, the defense was downright merciless. The Knicks suffocated the Hawks from the opening possession, holding them to just 15 first-quarter points and effectively ending the game before fans had settled into their seats. Tensions boiled over in the second quarter, leading to the ejections of Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels after a heated confrontation.
Even without Robinson, the Knicks’ interior remained a fortress. Towns and Anunoby combined to alter or block eight shots in the first half, while Bridges and Hart erased Atlanta’s perimeter rhythm by navigating screens with surgical precision.
The Hawks’ primary weapons, CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, never found comfort. New York forced 11 first-half turnovers, converting them into 22 fast-break points, and held Atlanta to a miserable 18% from deep.
What’s Next? A Rested Knicks Squad Awaits Its Challenger
For the fourth straight year, the Knicks are heading to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Their next opponent will be decided in Saturday’s Game 7 between the Celtics and the 76ers. With the 76ers forcing the decider after a 106-93 win in Game 6, the stage is set for a heavyweight finish.
The Knicks, the number three seed, would host the seven seed 76ers. If Boston advances, the series opens in TD Garden. By closing out Atlanta in six, New York now has time to rest, recover, and prepare- a massive advantage as their future opponent battles through a grueling, emotional Game 7.
