Knicks and Hawks Renew Testy Playoff Rivalry

The absence of Trae Young changes the dynamic of this postseason matchup.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between the Knicks and Hawks, with the players and court broken down into overlapping angular shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.The absence of star guard Trae Young changes the dynamic of the Knicks-Hawks playoff rivalry, but the teams' history and high stakes should still make for an intense series.Davenport Today

The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks are set to face off in the NBA playoffs, but the dynamic has shifted with the Hawks having traded away star player Trae Young to the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline. Young had been a thorn in the side of the Knicks in past playoff matchups, but his departure means the teams will have to find a new source of drama and tension in their renewed postseason rivalry.

Why it matters

The Knicks-Hawks playoff matchup has lacked a true superstar rivalry since the teams last met in the 2021 playoffs, when Trae Young's heroics captivated the basketball world. With Young now playing elsewhere, the teams will have to find new ways to generate interest and animosity in their playoff clash.

The details

The Knicks and Hawks have a long history, but their playoff meetings have been relatively sparse over the years. The teams last met in the 2021 playoffs, with Young leading the Hawks to an upset victory over the Knicks. However, the Hawks traded Young to the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline this season, removing the main source of drama and tension between the two franchises.

  • The Knicks and Hawks will face off in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
  • The teams last met in the 2021 NBA playoffs.

The players

Trae Young

A star point guard who was previously the face of the Atlanta Hawks, but was traded to the Washington Wizards at the 2026 trade deadline.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This would all be a lot more interesting if the Hawks hadn't rid themselves of Trae Young back at the trade deadline.”

— Mike Vaccaro, Author

The takeaway

With the absence of Trae Young, the Knicks and Hawks will have to find new ways to generate drama and interest in their renewed playoff rivalry. The teams' history suggests the matchup will still be a testy one, but without a clear superstar rivalry at the center of it.