Knicks vs. Hawks Playoff Preview: A Familiar Rivalry, A Completely Different Fight

The Knicks and Hawks meet again in the playoffs, but will the blue and orange get their revenge this time?

The Knicks and Hawks meet again in the postseason for the first time since their 2021 playoff clash. This was back when everything felt louder, simpler, and defined by a single primary storyline. This time, the matchup carries more evolution.

Both teams look different now. Atlanta no longer revolves around one central creator, instead leaning into pace, depth, and interchangeable scoring. New York has shifted in the opposite direction with more structure, defensive control, and a half-court identity that is built for playoff pressure.

What hasn’t changed is the tension this pairing brings. The regular season duel went 2-1 in favour of the Knicks, but every game came down to control of tempo and execution in the final stretch.

So while this matchup may bring up feelings of nostalgia, the versions of these teams are not.

Now, let’s break down how this series actually gets decided.

The Engine vs. the Shot-Makers: Brunson Sets the Tone, Atlanta Tries to Keep Up

Jalen Brunson

Brunson enters the playoffs in peak form, closing the regular season averaging 26.0 points per game, including dominant stretches against Atlanta where he repeatedly carved up their pick-and-roll coverage. His ability to control pace, manipulate defenders, and get to his spots in the midrange is what gives the Knicks their offensive identity. He’s nearly unbothered by physical defenders because of his footwork and strength, and in crunch time, he’s one of the most reliable closers in the league. The concern, as always, is workload. Atlanta is going to throw multiple defenders at him (Daniels, NAW, even wings on switches) to wear him down over a long series. Defensively, teams still hunt him in space, and if Atlanta can force him into repeated actions on that end, it could drain his legs late in games.

CJ McCollum

McCollum comes into the series steady but streaky, finishing the regular season as one of Atlanta’s primary scoring options while adjusting to a more shared offensive system. Against the Knicks this year, he had mixed results that involved flashes of shot-making brilliance, but struggled with efficiency when New York’s length closed in. He’s more of a scoring initiator than a pure playmaker, which means Atlanta’s offense can sometimes stall into isolation if things break down. That said, his shot-making is real. CJ’s full of pull-ups, off-screen threes, tough midrange looks and he has the playoff experience to stay composed in big moments. Against the Knicks, though, he’ll be dealing with elite perimeter defenders constantly in his jersey. If OG or Bridges gets switched onto him, those clean looks shrink fast. His biggest challenge will be efficiency. He can reach 20 points or more, but can he do it without hijacking the offense?

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Alexander-Walker quietly played some of his best basketball late in the season, part of Atlanta’s late surge into the playoffs where their offense became far more fluid post-trade. His impact in the season series was felt more defensively by using his length to disrupt Brunson than as a scorer. He’s the connector piece that makes Atlanta’s guard rotation dangerous. He defends, moves the ball, and can space the floor, giving the Hawks lineup flexibility. His length allows him to bother Brunson at the point of attack, which is crucial in slowing down New York’s engine. Offensively, though, he’s more opportunistic than assertive. If the Knicks force him into a primary scoring role, that’s a win for New York. His impact will hinge on whether he can knock down open threes and keep the ball moving without hesitation.

The Wing War

Mikal Bridges

Bridges is known as one of the front men among New York’s two-way contributors, averaging around 14.4 points per game. In the Hawks matchups, his defensive presence stood out. He limited clean looks on the perimeter while scoring at the same time. However, he hasn’t been as consistent as New York fans would have wanted him to be. He could be the definition of a two-way stabilizer if he asserts himself more by attempting more shots. However, we all know he showed out differently against Boston in last year’s playoffs. And so, his durability and motor are huge in a playoff series like this. Another downside is that when defenses load up, he can drift into more of a secondary role. Against Atlanta’s length, he’ll need to be decisive by attacking closeouts and not settling. Defensively, though, he’s a nightmare for the Hawks’ wings.

OG Anunoby

Anunoby’s impact in the regular season meetings was felt most on the defensive end, where he spent stretches neutralizing Atlanta’s top wings and disrupting their rhythm. However, there was one game in particular against the Hawks (April 6) in which he came out with a breakout game of 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks, reaching a +10 game-best rating while defending several positions at once (108-105). He enters this series dealing with a left ankle sprain but is expected to play as it is something to monitor early. He’s the Knicks’ defensive chess piece, meaning he’s strong enough to guard bigs, quick enough for guards, and disciplined enough to anchor switches. That being said, he’s likely to spend a lot of time on players like Jalen Johnson. Offensively, he thrives as a spot-up shooter and straight-line driver, but he’s not someone you want creating off the dribble consistently. The key for OG in this series is staying aggressive without overextending. If he knocks down open threes and locks in defensively, he tilts the series heavily in New York’s favour.

Josh Hart

Hart has effectively functioned as a starter in New York’s most trusted lineups, and his impact in the regular season matchups against Atlanta was impossible to ignore. He’s been known to rebound over bigger players, push the tempo, and swing possessions through pure effort. He’s the ultimate glue guy. Hart crashes the glass like a forward, defends multiple positions, and plays with a motor that doesn’t shut off. Offensively, he thrives in transition and as a cutter, and his outside shot has improved immensely (41.3% in the regular season). Against Atlanta, though, his physicality is a real problem. The Hawks’ wing group prefers pace and space, while Hart brings contact and chaos. If he dominates the hustle areas (rebounds, loose balls, second chances), he can tilt games without scoring 15+. But, let’s not forget his most recent impactful game (26 points, 5 triples, and three assists against the Celtics on April 9). And those back-to-back daggers? Keep a watch out, Hawks.

Jalen Johnson

Johnson enters the postseason as Atlanta’s breakout star, averaging 22.5 points per game during their late-season surge and emerging as their primary offensive engine. He showed flashes of that growth against the Knicks especially in transition, where New York had occasional breakdowns. He’s taken a leap as a scorer and playmaker, using his size and athleticism to attack mismatches and push in transition. Against the Knicks, he’ll see elite defenders every possession, which will test his shot selection and decision-making. If he forces the issue, New York’s defense will capitalize. But if he plays within the flow (attacking gaps and making quick reads), he can bend the Knicks’ defense in ways few players can. This matchup with OG and Bridges is the series’ swing factor.

Dyson Daniels

Daniels’ defensive presence was noticeable in the season series, particularly in Atlanta’s win where his length disrupted New York’s rhythm and he’s coming off strong all-around performances late in the year. Daniels brings defense first, offense second. His length and instincts make him one of Atlanta’s best perimeter stoppers, and he’ll likely spend time on Brunson to disrupt rhythm. Offensively, though, he’s been definitely improving. However, this doesn't mean that the Knicks won't dare him to shoot in awkward spots, and clog driving lanes. If Daniels can’t make them pay from the outside, he becomes easier to scheme against. His value will come from defense and transition, anything more is a bonus from the Great Barrier Thief.

The Paint Problem

Karl-Anthony Towns

Towns dominated stretches of the regular season matchup, putting up monster numbers against Atlanta in two of the games he was available (21 and 36 points) and he consistently forced tough defensive decisions. He enters the playoffs with a right elbow injury, but we’re hoping on counting him into the playoffs as he would be one of the ultimate matchup problems in this series. He can stretch the floor, bully smaller defenders inside, and score in bunches when he gets into rhythm. Against Atlanta’s thinner frontcourt, he has a clear physical advantage, but the Hawks will try to neutralize that by pulling him into space defensively. That’s where things get tricky. If Towns is forced to defend in space or navigate quick actions, it can open cracks. Still, if he asserts himself early with deep seals and aggressive scoring, he can help Empire city.

Mitchell Robinson

Robinson’s presence was a defining factor in New York’s wins over Atlanta this season. His offensive rebounding and rim protection consistently swung possessions. He enters the playoffs slightly banged up but expected to play. Robinson doesn’t need touches to dominate a game. His impact is felt on the glass and at the rim through his monstrous offensive rebounds, putbacks, and shot blocking. Against a team like Atlanta that wants to play fast, his ability to control the boards is critical. The downside is his limited offensive range and occasional foul trouble. If he stays disciplined, though, he gives the Knicks a physical edge the Hawks simply can’t replicate.

Onyeka Okongwu

Okongwu held his own in stretches during the regular season meetings but struggled when matched up physically against Towns and Robinson together. Despite losing to the Knicks on December 27, he managed to touch 31 points, 6 triples, and 14 rebounds. He enters the series with a heavy workload expected and some durability concerns to monitor. He’s undersized compared to the Knicks’ frontcourt, but he makes up for it with mobility and energy. He can switch onto smaller players, protect the rim, and run the floor in transition. Against Towns, however, he’s giving up size and strength, which could lead to foul trouble or easy looks inside. His best path is to stay active by contesting without fouling, rebounding aggressively, and capitalizing on any defensive lapses by New York. If he gets overwhelmed physically, Atlanta’s entire defensive structure starts to crack.

The Hidden Minutes

Jose Alvarado

Alvarado emerged as a key depth piece late in the season, especially since McBride is still working his way back from injury. The New York native provides defensive pressure and energy that the Knicks will rely on in the playoffs, just as they did throughout the regular season. He’s a disruptive on-ball defender who can change the tempo with his aggression, particularly in full-court situations. Offensively, he’s not a primary creator, but he makes quick reads and can hit timely shots. Against Atlanta’s guards, his job is simple: disrupt flow through his signature move (hint, GTA5). If he can generate turnovers and push pace selectively, he gives the Knicks an extra edge.

Landry Shamet

Shamet’s role is clear: spacing. The Knicks’ improved bench production this season has been tied to players like him stretching the floor and opening driving lanes. In this matchup, his shooting forces Atlanta to stay honest defensively. He’s a pure catch-and-shoot threat, but his minutes are always matchup-dependent because he can be targeted defensively. If he’s hitting shots, he’s valuable. If not, it becomes harder to keep him on the floor in a physical playoff series.

Jeremy Sochan

Sochan is one of the more intriguing wild cards. Since joining midseason, he’s brought versatility by defending multiple positions and adding size to the second unit. He hasn’t had a massive statistical role, but his impact shows up in defensive flexibility and energy minutes. Against Atlanta’s wing-heavy lineups, that versatility matters. The question is consistency, if he can stay disciplined and avoid mistakes, he becomes a valuable rotational piece.

Mohamed Diawara

Diawara has carved out minutes as an athletic forward who can run the floor and defend, part of a deeper Knicks bench this season. His offensive game is still developing, but in transition and defensive rotations, he fits the Knicks’ identity. In my eyes, he’s been the biggest surprise and the most improved bench player, so hats off to him. Against Atlanta, his role will likely be situational with energy bursts, defensive assignments, and transition play. If he can stay within himself, he adds depth to a unit that’s far more reliable than last year.

Jonathan Kuminga

Kuminga is arguably Atlanta’s most dangerous bench weapon and one of the biggest X-factors in the series. Since joining, he’s provided instant offense, athleticism, and downhill pressure, thriving in Atlanta’s faster system. He’s been producing 12.2 points per game, showing how explosive he can be when the game speeds up. Against the Knicks, his ability to attack in transition and exploit mismatches could be huge, especially against second units. The concern is decision-making as he can get tunnel vision at times. If the Knicks can contain him, he can be significantly limited.

Mouhamed Gueye

Gueye brings size and energy to Atlanta’s second unit and will be leaned on for frontcourt depth in this matchup. He’s active defensively and can help on the glass, which is crucial against New York’s physicality. Offensively, though, he’s still raw. The Knicks will test his discipline and force him into tough decisions as he's still in development. His role is simple: defend, rebound, and survive minutes.

Corey Kispert

Kispert adds shooting, which is something that Atlanta values heavily in their restructured offense. He spaces the floor and can punish defensive lapses, especially if the Knicks collapse inside on drives. The issue is defense as he can be targeted by New York’s physical wings. If he’s hitting threes, he stays on the floor. If not, he becomes a liability in a grind-it-out playoff game.

Final Look: Where This Series Will Be Won

This series is a clash of identity more than anything else. Atlanta wants pace, space, and unpredictability, turning games into track meets where athleticism and shot volume take over. New York wants structure, control, and physicality, turning games into half-court battles where execution matters more than tempo. The regular season showed both paths clearly, with each team winning when the game tilted toward its preferred style.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEfB-Nn132k

That tension is the entire series. If the Knicks slow things down, win the glass, and force Atlanta into long, structured possessions, they dictate how this series is played. If the Hawks push tempo, generate early offense, and keep New York defending in space, the pressure shifts the other way. In a matchup like this, control becomes everything, and it’s up to New York to take the reins on this one.