The Atlanta Hawks upset conversation is no longer hypothetical. After taking Game 2 on the road, they’ve shown they can compete with the New York Knicks at a high level. Now, the First Round series is tied 1-1 and, as a result, the tone around this matchup has shifted.
The Hawks Can Shock The Knicks In Round 1
Atlanta did not simply win Game 2. They controlled key moments, dictated tempo, and executed down the stretch. Because of that, the performance reinforced a growing belief around the league that the Hawks are not an easy out.
In fact, many around the NBA have already taken notice.
The Hawks climbed out of the play-in range and secured a top-six seed, completely reshaping expectations for this group. Because of that late-season surge, there is a growing sentiment that Atlanta could push this series to seven games or even pull off the upset.
ATL’s Upset Starts With Defense
The Hawks upset starts with defense.
In Game 2, Atlanta made life difficult for Knicks guard Jalen Brunson by consistently sending double-teams. That approach forced the ball out of his hands and, in turn, disrupted his rhythm. When Brunson cannot control the offense, New York loses a major part of what makes them effective.
The Hawks also focused on Brunson’s co-star, Karl-Anthony Towns. Specifically, they threw multiple defenders at him, including Jonathan Kuminga. In the fourth quarter in particular, Kuminga used his size and athleticism to contest shots and limit easy scoring opportunities. As a result, that collective effort prevented Towns from dominating the game.
That defensive intensity fuels the Hawks upset potential.
ATL’s Style Creates Problems for NYK
Atlanta is rooted in identity.
For starters, the Hawks thrive on pace. They ranked fifth in the league at 102.5 possessions per game in the regular season. That speed puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. When Atlanta runs, teams struggle to keep up.
In Game 2, that pace showed up.
The Hawks also rely on ball-movement. They led the league in assists per game at 30.1 in the regular season, which highlights their ability to create open looks. Because of that unselfish approach, defenses have to rotate, and consequently, mismatches begin to open up.
CJ MCCOLLUM LEADS HAWKS 14-PT COMEBACK TO STUN THE KNICKS 🤯
WE GOT AN EVEN SERIES IN THE EAST 🚨 pic.twitter.com/NBskcUvMLf
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 21, 2026
Those mismatches became critical late in the game.
For example, C.J. McCollum took advantage of switches against Brunson, using his size and experience to generate quality shots. In the final minutes, McCollum scored three of the Hawks’ last four baskets, and as a result, he delivered in the biggest moments.
Why the Hawks Can Sustain This Upset Push
The Hawks reflect resilience and confidence.
Atlanta entered the fourth quarter of Game 2 down by 11 points. However, instead of folding, they responded with a 28-15 run to close the game and secure a 107-106 win. That stretch showed composure, execution, and belief.
That matters in a playoff series.
Moreover, it explains why people around the league are giving Atlanta credit. Their turnaround this season, from play-in territory to a top-six seed, has changed how they are viewed. In other words, this is no longer a team just happy to be here.
They are a real threat.
Still, the Hawks upset will continue to depend on Jalen Johnson. As the team’s engine, Johnson drives everything Atlanta wants to do. His ability to push in transition, create offense, and involve teammates makes him the centerpiece.
Because of that, he must deliver consistently.
At the same time, Atlanta has to continue exploiting mismatches. Whether it is McCollum attacking smaller defenders or the team creating open shots through movement, those details will decide close games.
The Last Word On ATL-NYK
Now, the series shifts to Atlanta. State Farm Arena will be loud and energetic for Games 3 and 4, giving the Hawks another advantage. That home environment could also play a key role in maintaining momentum.
With that momentum, a clear identity, and growing belief across the league, Atlanta has positioned itself to challenge expectations. At this point, pushing this series to seven games or winning it outright would not come as a surprise anymore. The Hawks potentially pulling off an upset is no longer just a possibility..
Ultimately, that speaks volumes about how dangerous this team has become.
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
