It didn’t take the Knicks long to start building the foundation for a Game 6 rout.
The Knicks built the largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history and then cruised to a 140-89 victory over the Hawks in Atlanta, advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals in the first domino that needed to fall for a rematch with the Celtics.
Boston, which led its series with the 76ers 3-2, was still playing Thursday night when the Knicks game ended.
Head coach Mike Brown was able to empty his bench near the end of the third quarter.
OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 29 points, while Mikal Bridges added 24 and Jalen Brunson contributed 17.
