The New York Knicks demonstrated championship resilience on Saturday night, dismantling the Atlanta Hawks 114-98 in Game 4 of their 2025-26 season NBA Playoffs series. Facing a potential 3-1 deficit, the Knicks delivered their most complete performance of the postseason to date, silencing the home crowd and knotting the series at 2-2. This decisive victory reclaims home-court advantage for New York as the series returns to Manhattan.
New York’s offense found a rhythm that had been elusive during the two previous narrow losses in the series. By controlling the pace and executing effectively in the half-court, the Knicks managed to build a double-digit lead that the Hawks never seriously threatened in the closing stages. The performance served as a stark reminder of the Knicks' depth and execution under pressure.
The decisive moment
The game turned in New York's favor during a clinical stretch mid-way through the second half. Leading by only a few possessions, the Knicks orchestrated a run fueled by defensive stops and high-percentage shots in the paint. This surge pushed the lead to double digits, effectively sapping the energy from the Atlanta faithful and allowing the Knicks to maintain a comfortable cushion through the final buzzer.
The Hawks struggled to find an answer for New York's physicality during this pivotal stretch. Without the interior presence of Jock Landale, who missed the game with an ankle injury, Atlanta's defensive rotations were often a step slow. The Knicks capitalized on these openings, moving the ball with precision and finding the open man time and again to extend their lead.
By the numbers
- Final Score: New York Knicks 114, Atlanta Hawks 98
- Series Record: Tied 2-2
- Victory Margin: 16 points
- Series Progression: Game 1 (NYK 113-102), Game 2 (ATL 107-106), Game 3 (ATL 109-108), Game 4 (NYK 114-98)
The 16-point margin represents the most lopsided result of the series since the opening game. After Games 2 and 3 were decided by a combined total of only two points, the Knicks ensured that Game 4 would not require a late-game miracle.
What it means
This victory is a massive shift in momentum for the New York Knicks, who now return home with the series tied and home-court advantage restored. By avoiding a 3-1 hole, New York has essentially turned the series into a best-of-three sprint, with two of those potential games scheduled for the friendly confines of Madison Square Garden. The ability to win convincingly on the road provides a significant psychological boost for the squad.
For the Atlanta Hawks, the loss highlights the difficulty of maintaining a high level of play while managing injuries to key personnel. The absence of Landale forced Atlanta to lean heavily on their primary rotation, which appeared to fatigue under New York's relentless pressure. Additionally, being without Keshon Gilbert, who recently signed a two-way contract, further limited the options available to the Hawks' coaching staff as they searched for a spark off the bench.
What to watch next
The series now moves back to New York for a pivotal Game 5, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric. Both teams will be looking to take their first series lead since New York's victory in Game 1. With the momentum now squarely in the Knicks' corner, Atlanta must find a way to recapture the magic of their narrow Game 2 and 3 victories to stay alive in the 2025-26 season NBA Playoffs.