{"id":191677,"date":"2026-04-22T11:46:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T15:46:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=191677"},"modified":"2026-04-22T11:46:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T15:46:07","slug":"2026-nba-playoffs-hawks-upset-knicks-round-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/04\/22\/2026-nba-playoffs-hawks-upset-knicks-round-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawks Upset: Why Atlanta Can Shock the Knicks in Round 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/span><\/span> at a high level. Now, the First Round series is tied 1-1 and, as a result, the tone around this matchup has shifted.<\/p>\n

The Hawks Can Shock The Knicks In Round 1<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

In fact, many around the NBA have already taken notice.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

ATL’s Upset Starts With Defense<\/h3>\n

The Hawks upset starts with defense.<\/p>\n

In Game 2, Atlanta made life difficult for Knicks guard Jalen Brunson<\/span><\/span><\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

The Hawks also focused on Brunson’s co-star, Karl-Anthony Towns<\/span><\/span><\/a>. Specifically, they threw multiple defenders at him, including Jonathan Kuminga<\/a>. In the fourth quarter in particular, Kuminga<\/span><\/span>\u00a0used his size and athleticism to contest shots and limit easy scoring opportunities. As a result, that collective effort prevented Towns from dominating the game.<\/p>\n

That defensive intensity fuels the Hawks upset potential.<\/p>\n

ATL’s Style Creates Problems for NYK<\/h3>\n

Atlanta is rooted in identity.<\/p>\n

For starters, the Hawks thrive on pace. They ranked fifth in the league at 102.5 possessions per game<\/a> in the regular season. That speed puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. When Atlanta runs, teams struggle to keep up.<\/p>\n

In Game 2, that pace showed up.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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CJ MCCOLLUM LEADS HAWKS 14-PT COMEBACK TO STUN THE KNICKS \ud83e\udd2f<\/p>\n

WE GOT AN EVEN SERIES IN THE EAST \ud83d\udea8 pic.twitter.com\/NBskcUvMLf<\/a><\/p>\n

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 21, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n