By Reinaldo Oliveros
The Original York Knicks signed one of the most overwhelming victories in the history of the NBA playoffs by defeating this Thursday 140-89 to the Atlanta Hawks and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The New York franchise not only avoided a seventh game at Madison Square Garden, but also suffered the biggest blowout in its history in the postseason. leaving the match practically decided from the first half with a devastating 83-36 at halftime.
The team led by Mike Brown dominated from start to finish with an offensive and defensive display that will be recorded among the most forceful performances seen in the playoffs.
The Knicks shot an impressive 58.8% from the field and completely dismantled the Hawks who were unable to react.
OG Anunoby was the great figure of the night by finishing with 29 points after converting 11 of his 14 field attempts. Mikal Bridges also shone with 24 points and an extraordinary efficiency of 10 hits on 12 shots.
For his part, Jalen Brunson contributed 17 points and eight assists, while the Dominican Karl-Anthony Towns He touched collective perfection with a triple-double of 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Atlanta was knocked out by the Knicks
Although Atlanta started with energy and went up 9-4 on the scoreboard, the game changed radically from that moment on.
The Knicks responded with a devastating sequence that included a 39-4 run and later another 63-11 run, leaving the home team completely knocked out.
Anunoby was practically unstoppable in the first half, scoring 26 points before halftime and leading a collective performance that left New York just three points away from the all-time record for the largest halftime difference in the NBA, a mark that has belonged to the Dallas Mavericks since 2020.
Atlanta thus closed a season marked by irregularity and a painful elimination at home, even being down by 61 points during the game.
With the match completely decided from the third quarter, the New York starters rested throughout the last period, already focused on the next round, where a rival between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers await.
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