The New York Knicks are on the verge of closing out the Atlanta Hawks and advancing to the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Heading into tonight’s do-or-die Game 6 in Atlanta, the Knicks carry significant momentum and a jaw-dropping statistical edge that makes them the most efficient team in the entire postseason.
Knicks Are Making the Most of Every Open Look
As per ESPN Insights:” If the Hawks want to keep the series against the Knicks going, they’ll need to limit New York’s uncontested FG attempts because they’ve been making a ton of them. According to ESPN’s tracking, the Knicks enter tonight’s game with the highest uncontested FG percentage among the 16 teams in the postseason.”
According to ESPN’s tracking, the Knicks enter tonight’s game with the highest uncontested FG percentage among the 16 postseason teams, converting at a remarkable 64%. The Timberwolves sit second at 62%, while the Lakers and Thunder are tied at 60%, with the Cavaliers rounding out the top five at 59%.
According to ESPN’s tracking, the Knicks enter tonight’s game with the highest uncontested FG percentage among the
Why This Stat Is a Game-Changer for Knicks
GettyThis Overlooked Number Explains Why Atlanta Can’t Stop New York
It’s not a matter of chance; it is a picture of the great offensive movement and excellent shot selection of New York. At the highest level, when Jalen Brunson pulls defenders towards him, he manages to find his teammates for open shots.
In fact, Brunson had a monstrous performance with 39 points and 8 assists as the Knicks crushed the Hawks 126-97 in Game 5.
One Win Away From Round 2
The New York Knicks, who were the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 53-29, lead the first-round series 3-2. After New York lost Games 2 and 3 by a combined two points, the Knicks have won back-to-back comfortably, including a 29-point blowout in Game 5.
A victory tonight in Atlanta will not only guarantee the Knicks the second round but also will be a potentially great conference semifinals game.
Josh Hart’s Injury Clouds the Picture
GettyKnicks guard Josh Hart reacts during a playoff game as his status remains uncertain ahead of Game 6.
However, not everything is sunshine heading into Game 6. Josh Hart, one of New York’s most irreplaceable starters, is listed as questionable with a lower back contusion after exiting Game 5 early.
Hart has been averaging roughly 9 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in this series, and his absence would create a major hole in New York’s defensive schemes and rebounding.
The Knicks went 9-7 without Hart in the regular season, not exactly a confidence-inspiring number for a closeout game on the road.
Don’t Overlook This Knicks Roster’s Depth and Resilience
GettyThe One Stat That Should Terrify the Hawks Before Game 6
Last season, the Knicks fell in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was a painful exit that fueled this entire offseason. This squad is hungrier, deeper, and more battle-tested. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a triple-double in Game 4 to help even the series, and OG Anunoby has been a defensive anchor throughout.
Miles McBride is ready to step up if Hart can’t go, and the entire roster understands what’s at stake. This Knicks team has proven they know how to win ugly and win big, and tonight, they’ll look to prove they can close.
Knicks Get Major Good News Before Important Game 6 Against Hawks