Knicks Crush Hawks in Historic Playoff Blowout
The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 140-89 in Game 6 of their NBA opening-round playoff series on Thursday. The game featured the largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history and an on-court altercation that led to the ejection of two players.
Record Halftime Lead
The Knicks led 83-36 at halftime, establishing the largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history.
The Knicks led 40-15 after the first quarter and executed a combined 55-10 run during the first half. The Knicks' largest lead in the first half was 51 points. Atlanta committed 12 turnovers in the first 13 minutes of the game.
Player Altercation and Ejections
With 4:39 remaining in the second quarter, following a free throw that gave the Knicks a 50-point lead, Knicks center Mitchell Robinson attempted to confront Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. Video footage showed Robinson pushing through players and officials to reach Daniels.
Multiple players from both teams became involved in the physical altercation, which spilled into the front row of spectators. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu attempted to separate the players. Assistant coach Rick Brunson intervened to prevent the altercation from reaching spectators.
Referees ejected both Robinson and Daniels after reviewing the incident. The game continued following the ejections. The NBA is unlikely to impose additional penalties, as the confrontation did not reach spectators.
Player Statistics and Statements
Robinson finished the game with six points, three rebounds, and two blocks in nine minutes of play. He did not speak to reporters after the game but posted on Facebook:
"Knew something was gone happen. My mental just not the same I'm just lost in the world at the moment."
Knicks coach Mike Brown said:
"It's tough because when you're up that big, stuff happens. If somebody feels like something that shouldn't happen to them happened, it's hard to keep your composure in that moment."
The Hawks' loss is among the 4,550 playoff games in NBA history.