By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
The New York Knicks produced a performance for the record books on Thursday night, dismantling the Atlanta Hawks 140–89 in Game 6 to secure their place in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
In what became the most lopsided playoff victory in franchise history, New York set the tone early and never relented. OG Anunoby led the charge with 29 points in just 27 minutes, scoring 26 before halftime as the Knicks overwhelmed Atlanta from the opening tip. Karl-Anthony Towns added a triple-double—his second of the series—with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, continuing his dominant postseason run.
By the end of the first quarter, the Knicks had already made history. Their 40–15 lead marked the largest first-quarter margin in the shot clock era. The onslaught only intensified in the second quarter, as New York stretched its advantage to 47 points by halftime—the biggest halftime lead ever recorded in NBA playoff history.
The final margin of 51 points tied for the sixth-largest victory in postseason history, underscoring the sheer dominance of the Knicks’ performance.
Tensions flared in the second quarter when Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels and New York’s Mitchell Robinson were both ejected following an altercation after Anunoby’s free throws pushed the lead to 50. By then, however, the outcome was already beyond doubt.
New York continued to pour it on after the break, surpassing the 100-point mark with more than eight minutes remaining in the third quarter. With the game firmly in hand, the Knicks rested their starters before the period even ended.
Mikal Bridges contributed 24 points, while the Knicks showcased a balanced and efficient offensive attack throughout. Atlanta, meanwhile, struggled mightily on both ends. The Hawks shot just 12-for-39 in the first half and committed 14 turnovers, effectively sealing their fate early.
Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 21 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum and Jonathan Kuminga each added 11. But the Hawks never found rhythm against a relentless New York defense.
With the series victory secured, the Knicks now turn their attention to the next round, where they will face the winner of the Boston Celtics–Philadelphia 76ers matchup.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 2-3 (101-112, 98-83, 105-113, 88-94, 116-109)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 3-2 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126, 89-93, 125-120)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 4-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109, 114-98, 126-97, 89-140)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 3-3 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100, 128-96, 97-113, 106-93)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 4-0 (119-84, 120-107, 121-109, 131-122)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 3-1 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108, 96-115)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 2-3 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113, 96-112, 125-113)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 (111-98, 103-106, 120-108, 114-93, 114-95)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder – Winner 2
6. San Antonio Spurs – Winner 3
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions