Atlanta Hawks nearly upset Knicks in playoffs before late collapse
The Atlanta Hawks took the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks to six games in the 2026 playoffs, with CJ McCollum calling their effort a push 'to the limit' despite a 5-game losing streak to end the season. The Hawks held a 2-1 series lead at one point, but the Knicks rallied to win the final three games by an average margin of 30.3 points, including a 140-89 blowout in Game 6 (2026-04-30).
What happened in the series?
Atlanta won Games 2 and 3 to take a 2-1 lead, but New York dominated the final three games. The Hawks' recent form (0W-0D-5L) reflected their struggles, as they lost the last five games of the series by an average of 30.3 points. McCollum averaged 19.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game in the series, but the Hawks couldn't overcome the Knicks' depth and experience.
Why it matters for the Hawks
Despite the loss, the Hawks showed promise under new leadership. McCollum, 34, signed a new deal with Atlanta in June and will be a key veteran presence as the team rebuilds. The Hawks have added young talent this offseason and will look to McCollum's experience to help them take the next step.
What comes next for the Hawks?
The Hawks will enter the 2026-27 season with a mix of youth and experience. McCollum's leadership will be crucial as the team looks to build on their playoff run. The Hawks will also look to improve their defense, which struggled in the playoffs, allowing an average of 120.3 points per game in the series against the Knicks.