The New York Knicks closed out the Atlanta Hawks 140-89 in Game 6 at State Farm Arena on Thursday, April 30, sealing a 4-2 series win in one of the most lopsided playoff finishes in recent NBA history.
Jalen Brunson pointed directly to the opening stretch when describing how the Knicks set the tone on both ends. “Yeah, I mean the ball was going through the hoop, we were able to get stops, run in transition, get layups,” Brunson said.
He added that the foundation of the blowout came from defensive execution. “It really came down to our defense and allowed us to play fast and play in transition. And we made shots.”
The Knicks’ early surge included elite disruption, something Brunson acknowledged when reflecting on the first quarter impact. “That first quarter… seven steals, three blocks, shooting 76%? I think it shows us what we’re capable of defensively, and that’s really important.”
Despite the historic margin, Brunson downplayed long-term conclusions from the performance. “Honestly, nothing. We turn the page tomorrow and we focus up. I’m glad that we got the win, whether by one or 60 or whatever it was, but we focus up.”
He also credited the coaching staff for in-series adjustments as Atlanta attempted to shift coverages throughout. “I think our coaching staff found a way to respond every single time, so a lot of credit to them for the preparation and everything. We just found a way.”
Brunson described the series as constant tactical adjustments on both sides. “Yeah, I said a couple times it’s kind of a chess match. They were going to make a move and it was basically seeing how we’re going to respond.”
The Knicks guard emphasized how quickly the group had to adapt mid-series. “We understood the task at hand and we had to refocus and do what we have to do and be on the same page.”
Karl-Anthony Towns’ playmaking also factored into the offensive rhythm, with Brunson noting the collective trust. “He’s played phenomenal. The way we’ve been able to trust each other, all of us including him, it’s been great.”
Even after three straight dominant wins in the series, Brunson rejected the idea of momentum carrying forward. “Feel good about tonight and tomorrow we turn the page. It’s good to celebrate the wins, but we can’t drag this on.”
Brunson closed with a simple message on perspective after elimination-clinching success. “Whether by one or 60 or whatever it was, we focus up.”
