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Atlanta Hawks eliminated by New York Knicks in worst playoff loss in franchise history

By Courtney Martinez, WSBTV.com
New York Knicks v Atlanta Hawks - Game Six ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 30: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks and Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks fight during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
By Courtney Martinez, WSBTV.com

ATLANTA — The New York Knicks eliminated the Atlanta Hawks, 140-89, in Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs first round on Thursday night.

The Hawks lost by 51 points, the worst playoff loss in franchise history since its move from St. Louis to Atlanta. The NBA record for largest margin in a playoff loss is 58 points.

The Knicks scored 83 points in the first half, including 40 in the first quarter, while the Hawks couldn’t find their footing with only 36 points.

It was the largest halftime deficit in NBA playoffs history.

Just before halftime, Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu and New York’s Mitchell Robinson got into a fight after a free throw attempt. Both Daniels and Robinson were ejected.

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After the game, Hawks head coach Quin Snyder said his guys entered Game 6 prepared and ready to play.

He never expect his team to fall into a deep hole so early in the game.

“Their physicality, they made it hard for us and we obviously didn’t respond in a way that generated the results that we wanted,” Snyder said. “You can see what a really good team they are and why they’re a contender and we didn’t have an answer for that tonight."

The Hawks will enter the offseason with disappointment, but there is still hope for the future. They remain one of the youngest teams in the NBA and could have a top draft pick in June.

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