The New York Knicks started their 2026 playoff run exactly how they wanted: winning Game 1.
New York took down the Atlanta Hawks in the first game of a highly-anticipated opening series matchup between a pair of physical Eastern Conference teams.
Saturday’s win was massive for the Knicks. They not only protected home court in the first of the opening two fixtures, but also extended their winning streak to three games over the Hawks dating back to December.
Entering the playoffs, it felt like the only thing that could derail the Knicks this time were injuries.
After all, New York got past the rival Boston Celtics in a convincing second round series win. The Knicks then lost handily to the Indiana Pacers, who of course, aren’t in the tournament this year.
But before the Knicks can look ahead to a potential round two matchup against the Celtics, they must take care of business in the first round.
They’ll get the opportunity to take a strong 2-0 lead before pointing their plane to Atlanta for Game 3.
New York Knicks Get Update on Star Wing
As it often has in April, Madison Square Garden was bumping Saturday afternoon. Knicks fever was everywhere. The No. 11 jerseys were out and about.
It’s safe to say there are plenty of expectations heaped onto the Knicks shoulders at this time of year. And if the outcome falls short of the lofty demands of New Yorkers, it provokes larger conversations.
Getty Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks ldrives against Dyson Daniels #5 and Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks
Pardon bringing up the worst, but if the Knicks take an exit before getting to the NBA Finals, it may move the franchise to consider an offseason splash.
In recent weeks, the Knicks have been floated as a potential suitor for disgruntled Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been hotly rumored in trade discussions for over a year.
But Antetokounmpo, though he may be the biggest fish in the pond this offseason, perhaps won’t be the only one.
There is also L.A. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.
According to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, Leonard, the soon-to-be 35-year-old, could be on New York’s radar this summer.
“The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves could view him as a consolation target if it turns out they don’t have the assets to sniff around Giannis Antetokounmpo,” Favale wrote.
A royal franchise like New York never settles for too long. Years ago, the Knicks went out and signed Jalen Brunson, who has become the face of the franchise. They traded for Karl-Anthony Towns. They nabbed Mikal Bridges in another blockbuster.
Who is to say they don’t go after Leonard, whose value in L.A. has decayed steadily, to go all-in on winning with a core of players in heart of their primes?
Would Leonard Make the Perfect Fit?
History has been kind to teams with a clear-cut star at the guard, wing and front court positions. The Oklahoma City Thunder — with a core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren — proved that again last season. And they are headed toward showing that again this season.
Leonard is an aging star and several years older than the other Knicks stars, but he is certainly capable enough to be a top contributor on a contending team.
In his age 34 season, Leonard has a bit of resurgence. He averaged a career-high in points. That’s right. He appeared in at least 65 games for only the fifth time in his 15-year career. That is also right.
Does that mean committing to Leonard for a few years is a risk-free move? Not at all. But is it something that could yield wonderful results? It definitely can.
The exact outlook on Leonard’s future is unclear. He is still involved in an ongoing Aspiration investigation that began before the 2025-26 season. Depending on the outcome of that, Leonard’s contract could be in jeopardy.
But if the two-time NBA Finals MVP becomes a pursuable asset, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Knicks entered the sweepstakes.
Knicks Get Unexpected Kawhi Leonard Trade Update Ahead of Game 2 vs Hawks