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The New York Knicks laid a first-half beating like we’ve never seen on the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of their first-round series on Thursday. I can safely say you have never seen a first half of a playoff game like this — regardless of your age — because it’s never happened in the history of the NBA. 

After 24 minutes, the Knicks went into the locker room with an 83-36 lead. Do the math. That’s a 47-point lead. 

Only one team in history has ever held a bigger halftime advantage, and that was not in a playoff game. 

Biggest halftime leads in NBA history

Team Game Type Halftime Lead

2020 Dallas Mavericks

Regular Season

50

2026 New York Knicks

Playoffs

47

1991 Golden State Warriors

Regular Season

47

This was a tsunami from the start. After the first quarter, the Knicks were up 40-15. At one point, the Knicks were on a 41-4 run. It was absolutely unbelievable. This game, and series, is over. 

Atlanta, which held a 2-1 series lead less than a week ago, will see its season end on its home floor in embarrassing fashion.