ATLANTA — The Knicks made a closeout game look like a preseason game.
It’s hard to picture now, but there was actually a time the Knicks trailed in this series.
But by the end of the series, it looked like the Hawks didn’t even belong on the same court with them.
The Knicks toyed with them.
They bullied them.
They humiliated them — in historic fashion.
There was no room for even a glimmer of hope for the Hawks.
Hardly a second of belief they might have a shot to force a Game 7.
The Knicks wouldn’t allow it.
This was them at their very best, as they obliterated the Hawks 140-89 in Game 6 Thursday night at State Farm Arena to win the series and advance to the second round.
The blowout was unprecedented:
- They led by 47 points at halftime, setting the record for biggest halftime lead in postseason history.
- They led by 53 points after three quarters, setting the record for biggest lead after three quarters in postseason history.
- Their 61-point lead in the third quarter was the biggest in franchise history in the postseason.
- Their 140 points are the most the Knicks have ever scored in a playoff game.
The Knicks closed the first quarter on an incredible 31-4 run and led by 25 heading into the second quarter.
And the Hawks completely capitulated.
The Knicks then started the second quarter on a 22-4 run to take a 43-point lead.
In total, it was an absurd 53-8 run spanning the two quarters.
Not long after, it was a 50-point lead.
Just a few minutes into the second half, it was 61.
They were able to pull their starters by the end of the third quarter.
It was comical.
It looked like one of those games against a tanking opponent at the end of the year.
Even those are usually more competitive.
It left the Hawks with nothing left to play for besides pretending to show fight and provoking the Knicks.
And Mitchell Robinson took their bait.
As OG Anunoby took a free throw in the second quarter, Dyson Daniels yanked Robinson’s arm.
Robinson subsequently got in Daniels’ face, and Onyeka Okongwu came over and tried to pull Robinson away from Daniels.
That’s when a heated fracas ignited.
Players and coaches from both teams ran in and separated the two, but Robinson tried to go back for more.
Knicks coach Mike Brown fell while trying to get in Robinson’s way.
Referee Kevin Scott was knocked to the ground earlier.
Both Robinson and Daniels were given technicals and ejected.
It was one of three Hawks technicals — Jalen Johnson and coach Quin Snyder also got one each — in the second quarter as they unraveled.
Anunoby — to complete his excellent series — got the Knicks going early, scoring 10 of their first 15 points as he continued his red-hot shooting.
By halftime, he had 26 points and finished with 29 on — on 11-for-14 shooting from the field and 4-for-6 shooting from 3-point range — along with seven rebounds
The Hawks offered such little resistance that even Mikal Bridges — who otherwise had a nightmarish series — was able to go off and use the game as a needed confidence-booster.
He recorded 124 points on 10-for-12 shooting from the field.
Towns, despite only making one field goal, finished with another triple-double, recording 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. He became the first-ever Knicks to record multiple triple-doubles in the same series, and the second-ever in the same postseason, joining Walt Frazier.
Brunson added 17 points and eight assists. Hart had 14 points.
The Knicks recorded an absurd 16 steals along with six blocks.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker accepted his Most Improved Player award just before tipoff.
It was the last — and only — thing Hawks fans had to cheer for.
It wouldn’t be long until they were down double-digits and until double-digits turned into a bloodbath.
Remember when the Knicks trailed 2-1 in the series?
Over the next three games, they outscored the Hawks by a combined 96 points.
They’re surging at the perfect time.
