Hawks Surge Past Knicks in Potential Playoff Preview

Atlanta's backcourt duo of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels lead the way in victory over New York.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:06pm

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An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a basketball game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks, with the players' movements and the energy of the game represented through a fractured, multi-perspective composition of sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes.The Hawks' backcourt duo of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels lead the charge in a potential playoff preview against the Knicks.Brooklyn Today

The Atlanta Hawks continued their late-season surge with a hard-fought 119-115 victory over the New York Knicks in a potential first-round playoff preview. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels led the way for the Hawks, with Alexander-Walker scoring 25 points and Daniels adding 11 points, 6 assists, and 5 steals. Jalen Johnson recorded his 13th straight double-double for Atlanta, who have now won 19 of their last 21 games.

Why it matters

This game had major playoff implications, as the Hawks and Knicks are both jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference standings. The win keeps Atlanta firmly in the 5th seed, while the loss drops New York to 6th. The two teams could meet in the first round of the playoffs, making this an important preview of what could be an exciting postseason matchup.

The details

The Hawks jumped out to an early lead, thanks in large part to the strong play of their backcourt duo. Alexander-Walker hit 5 three-pointers and Daniels stuffed the stat sheet, helping Atlanta build a double-digit advantage. The Knicks fought back in the second half, but the Hawks were able to hold on for the victory. Jalen Johnson continued his impressive season with another double-double, while Onyeka Okongwu added 23 points and 9 rebounds.

  • The Hawks and Knicks met for the third and final time in the regular season on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • The Hawks have now won 19 of their last 21 games since the All-Star break.

The players

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Hawks' starting point guard, who is having a career-best season and is a leading candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award.

Dyson Daniels

The Hawks' starting shooting guard, who has emerged as a strong two-way player and is one of only three players in the NBA this season with at least three games of 10+ points, 5+ assists, and 5+ steals.

Jalen Johnson

The Hawks' star forward, who recorded his 13th straight double-double in the win and is a lock to make an All-NBA team this season.

Onyeka Okongwu

The Hawks' starting center, who had 23 points and 9 rebounds in the victory.

New York Knicks

The Hawks' opponent, who are one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference this season and pose a tough challenge for Atlanta.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against a very talented Knicks team, but our guys stepped up and made the plays we needed to get the win.”

— Nate McMillan, Hawks Head Coach

“Dyson and Nickeil really set the tone for us tonight. Their defense and playmaking were huge in helping us build that early lead.”

— Jalen Johnson, Hawks Forward

What’s next

The Hawks and Knicks could meet again in the first round of the NBA playoffs, setting up a potentially thrilling postseason matchup between these two Eastern Conference contenders.

The takeaway

The Hawks' late-season surge has them firmly in the playoff picture, and their backcourt duo of Alexander-Walker and Daniels has been a big part of their success. This win over the Knicks shows that Atlanta has the talent and depth to make a deep playoff run, setting up an intriguing potential first-round matchup between these two teams.