Knicks Hold Off Hawks' Late Surge in NBA Playoffs

The New York Knicks narrowly escaped elimination in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, as they defeated the Atlanta Hawks 114-98 in Game 4. The win gave the Knicks a 3-1 series lead, and they went on to win the series 4-2.

What happened?

The Hawks, led by veteran CJ McCollum, pushed the Knicks to the limit in the series. McCollum had a strong series, averaging 19.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. He was instrumental in the Hawks' two wins against the Knicks, including a 126-97 victory in Game 5.

Why it matters for New York Knicks

The Knicks' win in the series was a testament to their depth and resilience. Despite being pushed to the limit by the Hawks, the Knicks were able to regroup and win the final three games of the series. The win marked a significant milestone for the Knicks, as they looked to build on their success in the 2026-27 campaign.

What comes next?

The Knicks will look to build on their momentum in the upcoming season. With a strong core of players, including Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, the Knicks are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs. The team has also added some key pieces in the offseason, including a new head coach and several veteran players.

Last result: San Antonio Spurs 90-94 New York Knicks (2026-06-14). Recent form (last 5): 4W-0D-1L (WWWWL, most recent first); on a 4-game winning run.

CJ McCollum's strong series against the Knicks was a highlight of the playoffs. He averaged 19.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game in the series, and was a key factor in the Hawks' two wins. The 34-year-old veteran has 13 years of NBA experience, and is expected to be a key player for the Hawks in the upcoming season.

The Hawks have added some new young talent in the offseason, including a few high-profile draft picks. The team is looking to build on their success in the 2026-27 campaign, and McCollum's leadership will be crucial in their efforts to do so. With his 13 years of NBA experience, McCollum is a good figure to have around with his production and veteran leadership.

Overall, the Knicks' win in the series was a significant milestone for the team. The win marked a turning point in the series, and the Knicks were able to regroup and win the final three games. The team's depth and resilience were on full display in the series, and they will look to build on their momentum in the upcoming season.

The Knicks have a strong core of players, including Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. The team has also added some key pieces in the offseason, including a new head coach and several veteran players. With their strong core and added depth, the Knicks are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs in the 2026-27 campaign.

The Hawks, on the other hand, will look to build on their success in the 2026-27 campaign. The team has added some new young talent in the offseason, including a few high-profile draft picks. The team is looking to build on their success in the 2026-27 campaign, and McCollum's leadership will be crucial in their efforts to do so.

In the regular season, McCollum averaged 18.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He shot 45.6 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from beyond the arc. His play helped the team go on a memorable run in the regular season, which set the stage for a decent Atlanta showing in the playoffs.

The Hawks have added lots of new young talent this offseason, and McCollum, 34, is a good figure to have around with his 13 years of NBA experience. His production and veteran leadership should help the team as it aims to turn the page on the Trae Young era. The Hawks have added lots of new young talent this offseason, and McCollum, 34, is a good figure to have around with his 13 years of NBA experience. His production and veteran leadership should help the team as it aims to turn the page on the Trae Young era.