Knicks’ 47-point halftime lead vs. Hawks sets record for largest in NBA playoff history

The Atlanta Hawks arrived for a must-win Game 6 against the New York Knicks on Thursday in their home State Farm Arena. They ran out to a 9-5 lead through about three minutes of play.

That was the last shred of competitiveness in the half.

The Knicks blitzed the Hawks off the opening tip, racing to an 83-36 halftime lead. The 47-point halftime margin is the largest in NBA playoff history, breaking the record of 41 points shared by the Indiana Pacers in 2025 and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017. It approached the largest halftime lead in any NBA regular-season or playoff game (50 points).

As expected with such a lopsided score, emotions ran high. With 4:39 left in the first half and the Knicks up 50 points, Atlanta forward Dyson Daniels threw an elbow into Knicks center Mitchell Robinson’s rib cage on a free throw. Robinson then grabbed Daniels around the neck and walked him several feet until a brief scuffle ensued between the two teams.

Knicks coach Mike Brown fell while trying to break up the altercation.

Robinson was initially issued a loose-ball foul, but upon review, both players received offsetting technicals and were ejected. The Knicks’ roster applauded their center as he exited the court.

The Knicks shot 65.1 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from deep with seven made 3s in the half. OG Anunoby led the way, scoring 26 points on 10-of-12 shooting in the first half. He has averaged 20 points per game over the course of this entire series.

New York had as many steals (12) as the Hawks had field goals made in the half.

This story will be updated.