The New York Knicks achieved a historic 140-89 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on May 1, 2026, marking the largest playoff win in franchise history. The game unfolded in Atlanta, where the Knicks dominated from start to finish.
By halftime, they led by an astonishing 47 points, setting a record for the largest halftime margin in playoff history. OG Anunoby was unstoppable, scoring 29 points in just 27 minutes, while Karl-Anthony Towns secured his second triple-double of the series with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Hawks struggled mightily, shooting only 12 for 39 from the field in the first half and committing 14 turnovers.
This victory was especially significant for the Knicks, who had fallen behind in the series—after losing two games, they rallied to eliminate the Hawks with three straight wins. It’s a testament to their resilience and determination. “It speaks volumes on our team that we were able to bounce back from two disappointing losses,” Towns reflected after the game.
Key statistics:
- The Knicks’ margin of victory of 51 points ties for the sixth-largest in NBA postseason history.
- Anunoby scored 26 of his points in the first half alone, shooting an impressive 10-of-12.
- The Knicks will now face the winner of the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers series in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The game wasn’t without its drama—Dyson Daniels and Mitchell Robinson were ejected after a scrum during play. Jalen Johnson of the Hawks commented on their struggles, saying, “We dug ourselves a deep hole from the start and it was tough to climb out of that.” The pressure applied by the Knicks was relentless; they went on a staggering 60-11 run, leaving little doubt about their dominance.
This historic win not only advances them in the playoffs but also etches their name deeper into playoff history. The Knicks are not just playing; they’re making statements—and after this performance, it’s clear they’re ready for whatever comes next.