Knicks Crush Hawks 140-89 in Record Playoff Win, Advance to Eastern Semifinals

Key facts

• New York Knicks defeated Atlanta Hawks 140-89 in Game 6.
• The 51-point margin is the largest playoff win in Knicks franchise history.
• OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 29 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals.
• The Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
• Atlanta Hawks faced elimination at State Farm Arena in a must-win Game 6.
• The Knicks will play the winner of the Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers series.
• Philadelphia forced a Game 7 by defeating Boston 62-40 in the second and third quarters.

A Historic Blowout in Atlanta

The New York Knicks delivered a franchise-defining performance on Thursday night, demolishing the Atlanta Hawks 140-89 in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series. The 51-point victory stands as the largest playoff win in Knicks history, a statement that reverberates through the Eastern Conference. The Hawks, playing on their home floor at State Farm Arena, saw their season end in a lopsided defeat that left little doubt about the series outcome.

Record-Breaking Numbers and Dominant Defense

New York set multiple franchise records with the win, including largest playoff margin and highest playoff point total. OG Anunoby led all scorers with 29 points, adding 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals, while the Knicks' defense held Atlanta to just 89 points on 38% shooting. The Hawks, who had fought to extend the series in a must-win Game 6, were overwhelmed from the opening tip and never recovered.

Eastern Conference Semifinals Set

With the series win, the Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers series. That series remains undecided after Philadelphia forced a Game 7 by defeating Boston, outscoring the Celtics 62-40 in the second and third quarters. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 30 points, while Joel Embiid contributed 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Other Playoff Action: Timberwolves Advance, Nuggets Eliminated

Elsewhere in the NBA playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 110-98 to win their series and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite being shorthanded, Minnesota was led by Jaden McDaniels' 32 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Rudy Gobert added 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Nikola Jokić led Denver with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists in a losing effort.

What Comes Next for the Knicks and Hawks

The Knicks now await their opponent in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with a potential matchup against either the Celtics or the 76ers. For the Hawks, the offseason begins earlier than hoped, as they must regroup after a series that exposed defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of playoff depth. The Knicks, meanwhile, have established themselves as a legitimate contender, riding momentum from a historic win into the next round.

The bottom line

• The Knicks' 140-89 win is the largest playoff victory in franchise history.
• OG Anunoby's 29 points led a balanced Knicks attack.
• Atlanta's season ends with a Game 6 blowout at home.
• New York advances to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
• The Knicks will face either Boston or Philadelphia in the next round.
• Minnesota also advanced, defeating Denver 110-98 to reach the Western Semifinals.