The New York Knicks left no room for doubt in Game 5, dismantling the Atlanta Hawks 126-97 on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. This pivotal victory in the 2025-26 season NBA Playoffs gives the Knicks a 3-2 series lead and puts them just one win away from the second round. The atmosphere in Manhattan was electric as the home team turned a previously deadlocked series into a lopsided showcase of depth and execution.
The decisive moment
The Knicks asserted their dominance during a blistering second-half run, utilizing a relentless transition game that the Hawks simply could not contain. After the series entered the night tied at two games apiece, New York played with a sense of urgency that overwhelmed Atlanta from the opening tip of the third quarter. By the time the final frame began, the lead had ballooned beyond 20 points, effectively ending any hopes of an Atlanta rally.
The defensive intensity from the New York rotation proved to be the primary catalyst for this blowout victory. They successfully funneled Atlanta's primary ball-handlers into difficult shots while cleaning up the defensive glass to prevent second-chance opportunities. This suffocating stretch of play ensured that the home crowd remained a factor until the final buzzer sounded.
By the numbers
- Final Score: New York Knicks 126, Atlanta Hawks 97
- Scoring Margin: 29 points, the largest margin of the series to date
- Series Status: New York leads the best-of-seven series 3-2
- Series Progression: New York has won two consecutive games after trailing 2-1
- Key Injuries: Atlanta played without center Jock Landale (ankle) and Keshon Gilbert
The 126 points scored by New York marks their highest offensive output of the current 2025-26 season NBA Playoffs. Atlanta, meanwhile, struggled to find any consistent rhythm, failing to reach the 100-point mark for the first time in this postseason matchup.
What it means
This victory represents a significant shift in momentum for the Knicks, who have now won two straight games by double digits. After dropping Games 2 and 3 by a single point each earlier in the series, New York has refined their defensive rotations and found a way to neutralize Atlanta’s offensive flow. The Knicks have now successfully defended home court and restored their status as the aggressors in this series.
For the Hawks, the 29-point loss puts them in a "win-or-go-home" scenario as they prepare to return to their home floor. The absence of Jock Landale was felt heavily in the paint, where New York was able to secure interior positioning with ease throughout the contest. Atlanta must find a way to generate more bench production and defensive stops if they hope to force a deciding Game 7.
What to watch next
The series shifts back to Atlanta for Game 6, where the Hawks will attempt to stave off elimination in front of their home crowd. New York will look to close out the series on the road and avoid a winner-take-all scenario back in Manhattan. Fans should watch for how Atlanta adjusts their frontcourt rotation to compensate for their current injury list and whether the Knicks can maintain this high level of offensive efficiency away from home.