Knicks Lose Finale, Face Tougher Hawks in Playoffs

Knicks' loss sets up first-round matchup with Hawks instead of Raptors

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstracted basketball game between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a vibrant color palette.The Knicks' first-round playoff matchup against the Hawks will test their ability to overcome a tougher opponent after a disappointing end to the regular season.NYC Today

The New York Knicks lost their regular season finale on Sunday, which means they will face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs instead of the Toronto Raptors. The Hawks are considered a tougher opponent for the Knicks, who had success against the Raptors in the regular season. The Knicks rested most of their starters in the final game, while the Hawks clearly wanted to face the Knicks after securing the fifth seed.

Why it matters

The Knicks' loss sets up a more challenging first-round playoff matchup against the Hawks, who the Knicks struggled with in the regular season. This could impact the Knicks' chances of advancing deep into the playoffs, especially if they had to face the Celtics in the second round.

The details

The Knicks lost 110-96 to the Charlotte Hornets in their regular season finale on Sunday. With the loss, the Knicks will face the fifth-seeded Hawks in the first round of the playoffs instead of the fourth-seeded Raptors, who the Knicks dominated in the regular season. The Hawks clearly wanted to face the Knicks, resting their top players in a blowout loss to the Heat on Sunday. The Knicks rested most of their playoff rotation, with only Mikal Bridges playing meaningful minutes.

  • The Knicks lost to the Hornets on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • The Hawks rested their top players in a loss to the Heat on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

LaMelo Ball

Charlotte Hornets guard who played against the Knicks in the regular season finale.

Jose Alvarado

New York Knicks guard who played in the regular season finale.

Jeremy Sochan

New York Knicks forward who played in the regular season finale.

Miles Bridges

Charlotte Hornets forward who played against the Knicks in the regular season finale.

Mikal Bridges

New York Knicks starter who played 23 seconds in the regular season finale to maintain his consecutive games streak.

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What they’re saying

“Just wait until it's over. At the end of the day, I'm sure somehow, some way, I might be told it. But at the end of the day, I'm a firm believer that trying to ask for this opponent or that opponent is not good for you, when you mess with the basketball gods. So whatever happens, happens.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach

What’s next

The Knicks will face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The series schedule has not yet been announced.

The takeaway

The Knicks' loss in the regular season finale sets up a tougher first-round playoff matchup against the Hawks, who the Knicks struggled with during the regular season. This could impact the Knicks' chances of advancing deep into the playoffs, especially if they have to face the Celtics in the second round.