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The New York Knicks aim for a deep playoff run after hiring coach Mike Brown, following last year's Eastern Conference Finals exit. Owner James Dolan has set high expectations for the team this season.
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It was back in early January when New York Knicks owner James Dolan set the expectations for this season.
Essentially, it boiled down to Finals or bust.
The Knicks last year advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, but fell short of making it farther. That prompted the firing of coach Tom Thibodeau.
The Knicks hired Mike Brown, and established a new standard.
So can the Knicks live up to Dolanâs expectations?
Apr 6, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum (3) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Theyâll look to take the first step by beating the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, a series that begins April 18 (6 p.m., Amazon Prime) at Madison Square Garden.
Here are three things to know about the series:
The Knicks finished the regular season 53-29, owners of the third seed in the East. They went through some turbulence during the season adjusting to Brownâs system â especially Karl-Anthony Towns â but figured things out as the year progressed. They also made some critical defensive adjustments.
Still, the Knicks, who won the NBA Cup, proved to be among the most dangerous teams in the league.
The Hawks went 46-36 to earn the sixth seed.
Atlanta got hot at the right time, going 19-6 in their final 25 games (it should be noted that the quality of opponents wasnât strong).
The Hawks traded point guard to the in January and that moved seem to provide a spark.
The Knicks' owner James Dolan has set the expectation of reaching the Finals this season.
The Knicks hired Mike Brown as their new head coach after firing Tom Thibodeau.
Last season, the Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals but did not progress further.
The Knicks changed their coaching staff after falling short in the playoffs, leading to the firing of Tom Thibodeau.

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Thereâs no doubt this wonât be the easiest matchup for the Knicks â facing the Toronto Raptors wouldâve been a more manageable path for Brownâs team.
These teams faced each other five times during the regular season, with the Knicks winning both meetings.
But they werenât easy wins.
Both victories came by just three points, and the second win required a brilliant 17-point fourth quarter from Jalen Brunson.
The Hawks won by 14 points back in early January at The Garden.
The Knicks have star power and a formidable starting lineup.
But theyâll go as far as Brunson will take them. If heâs neutralized or isnât playing well, their offense takes a major hit.
He averaged 26.0 points during the regular season, shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 36.9 percent from three-point range on career-high 7.1 attempts per game.
The 6-foot-8 Johnson was the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Duke.
Johnson had the best year of his career, averaging 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists while shooting 48.9 percent from the field. He shot 35.2 percent from the perimeter on 4.7 attempts per game.
Knicks in 6
As well as the Hawks have played of late, the Knicks still have the talent and experience. That makes a huge difference in the playoffs.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Knicks vs. Hawks: 3 things to know, prediction as NBA playoffs begin