Knicks' blowout win over Hawks marks NBA history achieved by only 3 other teams
TL;DR
The New York Knicks achieved a historic 47-point halftime lead during their blowout win over the Atlanta Hawks, finishing the game 140-89. This marks a record-setting performance in NBA playoff history, with the Knicks advancing to face the winner of the 76ers-Celtics series.
Key points
- Knicks achieved a 47-point halftime lead
- Game ended with a score of 140-89
- Knicks eliminated the Hawks in Game 6
- Next opponent is the winner of 76ers-Celtics series
Knicks' blowout win over Hawks marks NBA history achieved by only 3 other teams originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A record-setting first half at State Farm Arena set the New York Knicks on their way against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of what had been a hotly-contested first-round series in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks' scarcely-believable 67-13 run saw New York build a 50-point first-half advantage on the way to an NBA-record 47-point lead at halftime. The Knicks won the second half too and went on to eliminate the Hawks with a 140-89 victory; New York now awaits the winner of the Philadelphia 76ers-Boston Celtics series, which is heading to a Game 7.
MORE:Jalen Brunson believes historic Game 6 performance shows the Knicks' true potential
The Knicks on Thursday became only the fourth team ever to win an elimination game by 51 points or more. New York joined the 1955/56 Minneapolis Lakers, the 2014/15 Chicago Bulls and last season's Cleveland Cavaliers by winning a possible series-deciding game by such a large margin.
New York made it possible with some sizzling shooting. The Knicks, one of the NBA's most efficient offenses in the regular season, shot 59 percent from the field and 36 percent from 3-point range in Game 6. The Knicks dominated in the paint outscoring the Hawks 66-38 there, and ran up a 35-8 advantage in fast break points.
But the Knicks' stellar defense produced 19 turnovers and held the Hawks to 38 percent shooting for the game. If New York can bring that intensity into the next round, they will have every chance to return to the Eastern Conference finals.
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Q&A
What was the Knicks' halftime lead against the Hawks?
The Knicks had a historic 47-point lead at halftime against the Hawks.
How did the Knicks perform in their playoff series against the Hawks?
The Knicks eliminated the Hawks with a decisive 140-89 victory in Game 6 of the series.
Who will the Knicks face next after their win over the Hawks?
The Knicks will face the winner of the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics series.
