The New York Knicks absolutely destroyed the Atlanta Hawks in a close-out game no one saw coming.
It's no secret that the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks haven't always liked each other over the years. After Trae Young terrorized the Knicks in 2021, it looks like New York finally got the proper payback in the 2026 playoffs.
In a game that no one saw coming, the New York Knicks went on an insane 51-8 run that gave them a 50-point lead before halftime even started. As a result, things got a little testy between both teams.
A Scuffle Occurs Between the Knicks and Hawks
With 4:39 left in the second quarter, Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels found themselves at the center of a scuffle between the Knicks and Hawks. Both players are typically known as mild-mannered players; however, there's nothing mild-mannered about being down 50 points in 20 minutes of basketball.
Both Robinson and Daniels were ejected for the scuffle, which, in all honesty, they probably should not have been ejected for. However, the officials were likely operating under the assumption that the game was already over and didn't want tempers to flare even more.
Robinson finished the game playing only 8:35, putting up 6 points and 3 rebounds. On the other side, Daniels ultimately played 14:52, putting up 3 points and 1 steal. He had more turnovers with two than he did with made field goals at one. So it's easy to see why Daniels could have been so frustrated.
What's Next for the New York Knicks?
After defeating the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night, the Knicks now await the winner of the Boston Celtics' series against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics are currently leading the series 3-2, but the 76ers do have a lead heading into halftime of Game 6.
One would have to imagine that the Knicks should be rooting for the 76ers to win over the Celtics, but they did actually win the season series against Boston 3-1. Make no mistake, if the Celtics do win, then it's going to be just as spicy a series as the first round.
Last season, the Knicks shocked the NBA world when they defeated the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the second round of the NBA playoffs. One would have to imagine that the Celtics are looking for revenge should they face the Knicks again this season.
Make no mistake, though, no matter what happens next for the Knicks, their rivalry against the Hawks seems to never end.