beyond the back page Why the Knicks’ early playoff path could be a lot trickier than expected By Howie Kussoy Published April 13, 2026, 7:40 a.m. ET Jalen Brunson dribbles while being guarded by CJ McCollum during the Knicks' win over the Hawks on April 6, 2026. AP Bring on the Knicks.
With a win in Miami, the Hawks could have clinched the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, setting up a playoff matchup with the No. 4 Cavaliers. Instead, Atlanta lost after opting to rest its starters — at least six days before its next game — shrugging at the prospect of facing the No. 3 Knicks, who will host the No. 6 Hawks in Game 1 of their first-round series this weekend.
Entering Sunday, the Knicks appeared on track for the best matchup imaginable. With a Hawks win — and a Toronto victory over the tanking Nets — the Knicks would have squared off with the Raptors, having already claimed five double-digit wins over Toronto this season.
Now, the Knicks will face off with one of the league’s hottest teams, who have thrived since trading Trae Young. Prior to Sunday, the Hawks had won 19 of their previous 23 games.
