Knicks Crush Hawks by 51 to Clinch Series, Timberwolves Eliminate Nuggets

Key facts

• Knicks defeated Hawks 140-89 in Game 6 to win series 4-2.
• New York's 67-13 run created the largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history.
• Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels ejected after a fight late in the second quarter.
• Timberwolves beat Nuggets 110-98 in Game 6 to win series 4-2.
• 76ers tied Celtics 3-3 with a 106-93 win.
• Magic lead Pistons 3-2, Cavaliers lead Raptors 3-2, Lakers lead Rockets 3-2.

Knicks' Historic Blitz Erases Hawks

The New York Knicks advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs Thursday night with a 140-89 demolition of the Atlanta Hawks, closing out the first-round series 4-2. The 51-point margin of victory underscored a performance that rewrote the record books. After grabbing an early advantage, the Knicks unleashed a 67-13 run that gave them the largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history. The outburst effectively ended the contest before the intermission, leaving the Hawks with no path back into the series. The game's only blemish came late in the second quarter when Knicks center Mitchell Robinson and Hawks guard Dyson Daniels were both ejected after a fight. The altercation did little to slow New York's momentum.

Timberwolves Close Out Nuggets in Game 6

The Minnesota Timberwolves also punched their ticket to the second round Thursday, defeating the defending champion Denver Nuggets 110-98 in Game 6 to win the series 4-2. The victory marked a significant step for a franchise that has been rebuilding around its young core. Minnesota's win ensures that the Nuggets, who won the NBA title in 2023, will not repeat. The Timberwolves now await the winner of the series between the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder and the eighth-seeded play-in team.

76ers Force Game 7 Against Celtics

In the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers kept their season alive with a 106-93 victory over the Boston Celtics, tying the series at 3-3. The win forces a decisive Game 7 in Boston, with the winner advancing to face the Knicks. Philadelphia's performance was a response to consecutive losses that had put them on the brink of elimination. The 76ers will need to replicate their defensive intensity on the road to complete the comeback.

Other Series Hinge on Game 6 Results

Three other first-round series remain unresolved heading into the weekend. The Orlando Magic lead the Detroit Pistons 3-2, with Game 6 scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers hold a 3-2 advantage over the Toronto Raptors, with Game 6 set for 7:30 p.m. ET. In the West, the Los Angeles Lakers lead the Houston Rockets 3-2, with Game 6 tipping off at 9:30 p.m. ET. The Detroit Pistons, who completed a historic resurgence to claim the top seed in the East, face elimination after losing three straight games following a 2-0 series lead. The Cavaliers and Lakers each have a chance to close out their series on the road.

Playoff Bracket and Broadcast Details

The 2026 NBA playoffs began with the Play-In Tournament and the first round officially tipping off on Saturday, April 18. The bracket features the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder as the No. 1 seed in the West, with the San Antonio Spurs seeded second. In the East, the Pistons hold the top seed, followed by the Celtics, Knicks, and Cavaliers. Games are broadcast across ABC, ESPN, NBC, and Prime Video, with the NBA Finals exclusively on ABC. Streaming options include DIRECTV Stream, the ESPN app, Peacock, and Prime Video, each carrying specific games based on broadcast rights.

What Lies Ahead for the Contenders

With the Knicks and Timberwolves already in the second round, the remaining series will determine the full quarterfinal field. The Knicks will face the winner of the Celtics-76ers series, a matchup that could provide New York with a shot at redemption after last spring's Eastern Conference Final loss. The Timberwolves will meet either the Thunder or the eighth seed, a path that could test their depth against a rested Oklahoma City squad. The other second-round matchups will be set once the Magic-Pistons, Cavaliers-Raptors, and Lakers-Rockets series conclude. The margin for error has vanished for the eight teams still alive. Every game from here on carries the weight of a season's work, and the quest for the Larry O'Brien Trophy is now fully underway.

The bottom line

• Knicks set a playoff record with a 67-13 run and the largest halftime lead, winning series 4-2.
• Timberwolves eliminated defending champion Nuggets with a 110-98 Game 6 win.
• 76ers forced Game 7 against Celtics with a 106-93 victory.
• Three series remain undecided: Magic lead Pistons, Cavaliers lead Raptors, Lakers lead Rockets, all 3-2.
• Second-round matchups will be set after Game 6 and Game 7 results this weekend.