OG Anunoby solidified his standing as the star of the series, saving his best for last.
The 28-year-old was a two-way force, sparking the Knicks early — with 26 points and four steals in the first half — and finishing with 29 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while shooting 11-of-14 from the field, including 4-of-6 on 3-pointers.
OG Anunoby, who scored 29 points, goes after a loose ball during the Knicks’ Game 6 series-clinching win over the Hawks on April 30, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Zero
C.J. McCollum was right. He was no villain after all.
The Hawks guard started the series as its most dominant player — as well as one of the best stories in the postseason — but the 34-year-old had a forgettable finish to his first season in Atlanta.
After being held to six points in Game 5 in New York, McCollum disappeared with the rest of his teammates in the must-win Game 6, failing to score in the first 10 minutes, then finishing with 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting, along with two turnovers and zero assists.
CJ McCollum, who was held to 11 points, is double-teamed by Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby during the Knicks’ 140-89 Game 6 series-clinching win over the Hawks on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Unsung hero
Welcome back, Mikal Bridges. One week earlier, the Knicks’ much-maligned wing was benched in Atlanta and held without a point in Game 3.
He followed with two more single-digit scoring efforts.
But Bridges revived his confidence in Game 6, nearly scoring as many points as he had in the previous four games combined, finishing with 24 points (10-of-12 from the field), five rebounds, three assists and one block.
Key stat
63-11 — The extended run by the Knicks from four minutes into the first quarter and into the second quarter after the Hawks took an early 11-9 lead, giving the Knicks an unfathomable 50-point lead in the second quarter.
Quote
“It shows the kind of team that we are, what we can be. We knew we kind of gave two games away, so we wanted to come out and close out the series today.”
During ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” halftime show on Thursday, O’Neal pulled out a mini plushie of Atlanta’s mascot, Harry the Hawk, and performed CPR compressions on it.
“Shaq’s working out some resuscitation techniques. I don’t think that’s gonna work,” host Ernie Johnson said on the broadcast.
Shaq was trying to revive the Atlanta Hawks
They're down 83-36 in Game 6, the largest halftime deficit in NBA playoffs history
OG Anunoby led the way for the Knicks during the first half, scoring 26 points — adding three more in the second half — while shooting an efficient 10-of-12 from the field. He finished with 29.
Anunoby, who came into Game 6 averaging 20 points during the series on 54.2 percent from beyond the arc, proved to be one of the catalysts in the opening round of the playoffs.
“I think he’s one of a kind. Getting to see his work ethic, the person he is, what he has just been able to do in his time as a Knick, he’s been great,” Jalen Brunson said of Anunoby on Wednesday. “I’m so happy to have him.
“I’m gonna miss you, Harry,” O’Neal joked. DraftKings on X
“I’m happy I don’t have to see him on that side of the ball — he just creates havoc. I think his game’s growing, and that’s what happens when you work hard.”
Despite coming out competitive in the game’s first minutes, the Knicks quickly pulled away, establishing a 40-15 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Atlanta attempted to show some fire midway through the second quarter with a scuffle between guard Dyson Daniels and Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson.
Josh Hart (3) reacts as he is greeted by Mikal Bridges (25) during the second quarter of the Knicks’ 140-89 Game 6 series-clinching win over the Hawks on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Both Daniels and Robinson were ejected from the game after the fight poured onto the sidelines.
The Knicks did not let up, however, outscoring Atlanta 43-21 in the second before the domination continued in the second to end the Hawks’ season.
The viral mini dessert “chicken” bucket is back at Yankee Stadium.
After the drumstick-shaped ice cream treat, which looks like a piece of fried chicken, sold out earlier this month in The Bronx, it will finally be available to hungry baseball fans once again, beginning this weekend when the Orioles come to town.
“The Mini Dessert ‘Chicken’ Bucket is back in stock this homestand!” they captioned the post.
The item will be sold at sections 125, 205 and 318 at Yankee Stadium for $10.99.
The dessert item was a home run when it was introduced during a media event before the start of the season to show off the new food being sold at Yankee Stadium.
Photos and videos from reporters and influencers who attended quickly spread across the internet, amping up the intrigue for the snack.
The Yankees had initially believed that they would have enough in stock to last them a while, but they quickly realized they were going to run out, and ended up selling out of them by Saturday of the ballclub’s first homestand.
Yankee Stadium’s popular dessert sold out earlier this year. Robert Miller
“Given how well-received the item was on media day, interest from fans was tremendous, and we sold out of the item by the first inning of Saturday’s game,” Yankees senior director of communications Michael Margolis told The Athletic in an email earlier this month.
A fast food stand with images of Yankee legends inside Yankee Stadium. Corbis via Getty Images
Yankees broadcaster and chicken tender enthusiast Michael Kay gave the ice cream treat a rave review with a 10 rating on his social media page dedicated to reviewing chicken tenders at ballparks across the league.
“Look at it, it looks like chicken. It’s amazing!” Kay said.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game Five on April 29, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The series between the Lakers and Rockets heads back to Houston where Game 6 will be held on Friday. This will be L.A.’s third attempt to close the series.
Over the last two games, the Rockets have controlled the series in a vast array of ways. Whether that’s simply playing like the more desperate team or being the better team on both ends of the court, Houston has put the pressure on the purple and gold and it’s only about to get more intense in Game 6.
A lot of what the Lakers were doing right in the first three games of the series has gone the other way. The Rockets certainly deserve credit for that, but now it’ll be up to the Lakers to rediscover what brought them success in this series. That’s what will dictate whether or not Los Angeles can close this series out.
Can the Lakers regain their shooting?
Over the last two games, the Lakers have only converted 12 of their 49 attempts from the 3-point arc. That’s a huge disparity from the first three games. A lot of this has to do with Luke Kennard regressing to the mean and, of course, the Rockets stepping up their perimeter defense.
But still, L.A. is a better shooting team than what they’ve shown in Games 4 and 5 and it’s important that they regain that. Otherwise, their offensive struggles will help the Rockets force a Game 7.
Where will L.A. get its spark?
In Games 1 and 2, it was Kennard and Marcus Smart. In Game 3, it was those two and Rui Hachimura. But in the last two, it feels as if the Rockets’ role players have outplayed the Lakers as a whole.
Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and co., have all stepped up in helping Alperen Şengün, which is why it feels like the Rockets are a step ahead of the Lakers in dictating the game’s pace and momentum. This has to change for the purple and gold, who badly need another spark plug alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Can the Lakers handle pressure?
Coming off a game they should’ve absolutely won at home, the Lakers have made things harder for themselves by now having to win on the road. They know what’s at stake if they don’t and that’s being an inch closer to potentially being on the wrong side of NBA history as the first team to blow a 3-0 lead.
Fortunately, the team is filled with veterans, and they’ve dealt with enough adversity all season to know how to handle this type of pressure. In fact, they’ve shown on multiple occasions this season that they can rise to the occasion, and that’s what they have to do once again. The team has been built and trained for moments like this.
That’s why this is a must win game for the Lakers who have to go all out in Game 6. Let’s see if third time’s indeed the charm for the purple and gold on Friday.
For the Lakers’ injury report, Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain) is out.
As for the Rockets, Fred VanVleet (ACL surgery) and Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) are noted as out while Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) is doubtful.
ATLANTA — OG Anunoby scored 29 points in 27 minutes, Karl-Anthony Towns had his second triple-double of the series and the New York Knicks had their biggest playoff victory in franchise history, overwhelming and eliminating the Atlanta Hawks 140-89 in Game 6 on Thursday night.
The Knicks broke several NBA records by halftime. Their 40-15 lead at the end of the first quarter marked the largest of the shot clock era. Their 47-point halftime lead was the biggest in playoff history.
New York’s 51-point win tied for the sixth-largest margin of victory in NBA postseason history.
Dyson Daniels and Mitchell Robinson were ejected after fighting following a pair of free throws from Anunoby that gave the Knicks a 50-point lead in the second quarter.
The Knicks exceeded 100 points with 8:21 remaining in the third quarter. New York’s starters were done for the night with 2:45 remaining in the third.
Anunoby scored 26 of his points in the first half. Mikal Bridges finished with 24. Towns, five days after becoming the fourth Knicks player with a playoff triple-double, had 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
The Hawks were 12 for 39 from the field in the first half and 4 for 18 from 3-point range. Atlanta had 14 turnovers in the first half.
Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 21 points. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum and Jonathan Kuminga each had 11 points.
The Knicks will face the winner of the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers series in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 30: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates after a basket during the first half of a game against the Atlanta Hawks in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For nearly two weeks, the Knicks toyed with our emotions. Game One of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series with the Hawks was a mostly by-the-books win. Then our rosy dreams of championship glory were dashed by a choke job, a one-point loss in Game Two, and an even worse one-point stinker in Game Three. A disconsolate portion of the fanbase wondered: If they struggle against the sixth-seeded Hawks, how could they possibly clear the next two hurdles to reach the Finals? To which the Knickerbockers replied, Not so fast, you fickle fans!
Game Four was a reassuring 16-point win, and Game Five was a 29-point blowout. As they took the floor at State Farm Arena for a closeout game, we wondered which version of the Knicks would show up. We cautiously hoped they’d continue their momentum from the previous two contests. We did not expect the largest halftime lead in playoff history (83-36), or the largest lead after three quarters in playoff history (117-64), or the most points scored in Knicks playoff history. When the final buzzer granted mercy to the Hawks, New York had completed perhaps the most dominant playoff game in NBA history with a 140-89 win. Bring on the Celtics or Sixers!
Clearly, the Hawks were intimidated by the moment. In the first minute and a half, they committed two turnovers and watched the Knicks jump to a 5-0 lead. After that, Nickeil Alexander-Walker (who received the NBA’s Most Improved Player trophy before the game) led his cohort on a 9-0 run, but then OG Anunoby said Nahhh. OG sizzled, making all of his field goal attempts to score eight of the next 10 points for New York. Overall, he capped an amazing series with 29 points, seven boards, four steals, and +42 while shooting 11-14 in his 27 minutes.
Atlanta coach Quin Snyder needed a timeout at 6:40, with his team trailing 15-11. Whatever he doodled on his whiteboard didn’t help. From there, the guests scored eight straight, capped by their captain going into his bag of tricks and finishing high off the glass for a contested layup. About three minutes after his first timeout, Atlanta’s skipper took another, hoping to inspire his team out of a 12-point hole.
Josh Hart (14 PTS, 5 RBS, 27 MIN) was a game-time decision with a sore back, but as expected, he suited up for the chance to close out the Birds. Early on, he and Mikal Bridges took turns bringing the ball up the court and letting Jalen Brunson play off-ball. Cap finished his night with 17 points on 12 shots and eight assists in 29 minutes.
The Knicks closed the frame ahead 40-15, thanks to a 31-4 run that featured buckets by Anunoby, Brunson, and Bridges, another triple by Brunson, and a Mitchell Robinson alley-oop (plus a wicked block of a driving CJ McCollum). Unfortunately, Mitch seemed to injure his ankle when fighting for rebounding position and left the game late in the quarter, heading for the locker room. That was the only complaint in a brutal first frame for the Birds, who coughed up the ball eight times, missed five of six three-point attempts, and scored just four points in the last six minutes of the period.
Continuing the good vibes, Jose Alvarado picked off an Alexander-Walker pass to start the second quarter. From there, New York scored eight straight on their way to a 22-4 run that gave New York a 43-point lead at the 6:42 mark. Not only were our heroes raining buckets (68% FG, 55% 3PT), but they played their feistiest defense of the season. Even Jordan Clarkson played clamp-down defense! New York had 11 steals and had forced 13 giveaways, and there were still seven minutes left to play in the half. The score reached 72-22 when Anunoby scored on an and-one drive.
Rest easy, employees. Jim “Eye in the Sky” Dolan was impressed.
Knicks owner James Dolan can’t believe what he’s seeing 😭
While OG made the free throw, things got spicier than Magic City wings. Mitch, having returned from the locker room, tangled with Dyson Daniels, who was rightfully sore with his team trailing by 50 points. After benches cleared, the players were separated, and the two main offenders were ejected. Watch it below, Joe, and say a prayer that it doesn’t result in a suspension for Mitch.
The rest of the quarter was as much of a laugher. New York was outscored 14-12, but managed to finish the half ahead, 83-36. That’s right: the Knicks scored 40 points in the first quarter and 43 in the second, while the Hawks scored 15 and 21, respectively. What happened in that half was positively X-rated.
Fun Fact: playing 28 minutes, Karl-Anthony Towns attempted four field goals tonight, making one—but he shot a perfect-10 from the charity stripe, on the way to his second career postseason triple-double: 12 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and one block. A weird statline, certainly, and one that doesn’t quite indicate what a monster game the big man had. Atlanta was hopeless against him.
Through the half, the good guys had outshot the villains (65%-31% FG, 44%-22% 3PT), outrebounded them 24-15, stole the ball 12 times, forced 14 turnovers, won the paint 36-12, and beat them on fast breaks, 18-3. Anunoby led all scorers with a playoff career-high of 26 points on 10-of-12 shooting (plus seven boards and four steals, for Pete’s sake). Second-highest scorer? Mikal Bridges with 16—and he’d finish 24! Nice rebound game after what’s been a rough series for Bridges. For the home team, Jalen Johnson had 11 points and finished with 21.
NY started the second half with a 12-2 run. The lead reached 61 points, the largest lead in playoff history. Here’s the proof—and remember, Atlanta is a professional basketball team and playing an elimination game. Simply stunning:
From there, Atlanta managed a 16-8 stretch, but New York had no reason to sweat. Coach Mike Brown kept all the starters in until 5:24, when he swapped Clarkson and Miles McBride for Anunoby and Bridges. His counterpart, Snyder, said defense be damned and sent in Buddy Hield to launch some shots. At the 2:45 mark, Brown subbed in Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, and Ariel Hukporti. With three quarters in the books, New York was ahead 117-64.
In the fourth, Brown emptied his bench, giving postseason minutes to Tyler Kolek, Shamet, Pacome Dadiet, Jeremy Sochan, and Mohamed Diawara. Snyder went with Corey Kispert, Jonathan Kuminga, Zaccharie Risacher, Tony Bradley, and Keaton Wallace—and the reserve Knicks had still outscored Atlanta by the midway mark. While the more expensive players enjoyed the game with grins all around, the back-ups brought it home with ease.
Congratulations to the Hawks for an impressive run through the last leg of the season, for giving the Knicks a challenge for three games, and, most of all, for ridding themselves of that deadbeat Trae Young. Especially that last one. Eff that guy.
Up Next
Sir Matthew Miranda is sharpening his pen to treat you lot to a ripe recap. The Knicks will face whoever survives the Celtics-Sixers series—at this moment, Philly leads by 15 in the third quarter and is trying to force a Game Seven. Me? I’m going to bed with a big dumb smile on my face. Thanks, Knickerbockers.
Not every unforgettable night announces itself. The Golden State Warriors spent this season living in that space, where the version you thought you understood rarely showed up the same way twice. This series is about the nights when that uncertainty turned into something better, when the spotlight moved somewhere unexpected and stayed there. I’m talking about the ones you didn’t see coming until they were already happening.
Back in November on the road against the Pelicans, the night belonged to Moses Moody before most people realized he’d taken it.
Stephen Curry had just put up 46 and 49 in back-to-back games in San Antonio, the kind of stretch that turns everyone else into supporting cast whether they like it or not. So when the Golden State Warriors rolled into New Orleans the next night, the script felt obvious: Steph handles the heavy lifting, everybody else fills in the gaps, get out of there clean.
Steph went 2-of-11 for nine points instead. The Warriors won by 18 anyway because Moody decided the game was his.
He nailed seven threes in the first quarter!! before the game had time to become anything, he had already turned it into something else entirely. Career high in threes for a full game, and he got there in 12 minutes, against a Pelicans team looking to steal one at home from a dynasty.
What makes the seven in the quarter stand out isn’t just the volume, it’s who else has done it as a Warrior. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. That’s the list, folks. That’s the entire history of the franchise for something like this, a team that has spent a decade redefining what shooting looks like. Moody didn’t join a club so much as ascended into rarefied Golden State air. Anytime your name is mentioned next to the greatest shooters of all time, you’re doing it the right way.
That’s all it really was. Read the possession, trust the pass, don’t overthink the shot. He made his first two, missed one, then made five straight to close the quarter, and by the time New Orleans started reacting, the damage had already settled in.
He finished with 32 points on 10-of-16 from the field, eight threes, a career night that didn’t feel forced or hunted. It just kept happening, possession after possession, putting his name into history.
I know I’m one for major basketball hyperbole, but in this case it’s not the comparison, projection, or what it means long-term. I enjoyed the simplicity of it where for one night, the best shooter on the floor Steph Curry and the offense didn’t break trying to adjust to that. It just flowed in a different direction.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 21: Chase Dollander #32 of the Colorado Rockies walks off the field in the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on April 21, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The time to close the opening chapter of 2026 is finally upon us.
It’s safe to say that April was much kinder to the Colorado Rockies this year than in the previous couple of seasons. Dating back to 2017, here’s how the Rockies’ record fared in April:
2017: 16-10
2018: 14-13
2019: 11-15
2021: 9-17
2022: 12-9 [Season started April 8 due to lockout]
2023: 7-20
2024: 6-19
2025: 4-22
As we can see, a 13-14 record is a staggering improvement over the previous three seasons in which the Rockies lost 100 or more games. If they can hover around this sort of result per month throughout the season, getting under 100 losses is well within reach. Either way, the Rockies are off to a much better start than in years past.
A major reason for that is that multiple players have come out of the gate strong, almost surprisingly so, while others have struggled to find their footing. As games progress into May, we’re likely to see some players start to cool off a little bit or start to heat up. Still, the performances of players like Chase Dollander and Tomoyuki Sugano on the pitching side of things, or Mickey Moniak and Troy Johnston on the offensive side, have made this a fun team to root for so far.
With a chance to advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs, the Knicks didn't mess around in the slightest, dismantling the Atlanta Hawks in a historic 140-89 win on Thursday night.
Here are the takeaways...
-- Things couldn't have started better for New York, which was off and running after Jalen Brunson drilled a three-pointer on the first possession of the game. A minute later, OG Anunoby slammed one home and the Knicks were up 5-0 early. Both players would end up being critical for New York.
The only hiccup of the entire game for the Knicks came when the Hawks quickly retaliated with a 9-0 run to go up by four points and looking quite formidable in a win-or-go-home situation. Turns out, that little spurt would be the best offense Atlanta would have all night. From there, New York simply took over and ended the quarter with a ridiculous 35-6 run.
-- Leading the charge was Anunoby, who scored or assisted on five straight possessions starting with that early dunk to put the Knicks back in front. He led all scorers in the opening quarter with 14 points, just one point less than what the Hawks put up as a team.
Brunson also had a big first quarter with nine points and five assists, finding multiple open guys, including Mikal Bridges, who broke out of an offensive slump in the series with eight points after 12 minutes. He scored the final basket before the end of the first quarter, which put New York up 40-15.
-- With such a commanding lead after one quarter, the only question was whether the Knicks would allow the Hawks to fight back and make it a game. The answer was a resounding no. Instead, New York kept its foot on the gas and continued its total destruction of Atlanta in the second quarter by beginning the period on a 10-1 run.
-- The Knicks were getting any look they wanted from outside and made the Hawks pay when they drove to the paint by scoring easy layups, dunks or going to the free throw line and drilling them. Anunoby and Bridges were at the forefront of the offensive onslaught, while Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns also got in the mix, with Towns doing all of his damage from the line (10-for-10).
On the other side, Atlanta still couldn't get anything to fall and went into the locker room with a season-low 36 points at halftime and was down by an insurmountable 47 points after New York dropped another 43 points in the quarter. The only downside for the Knicks was the ejection of Mitchell Robinson (along with Dyson Daniels), but they would be fine without him.
-- With the game wrapped up after just two quarters, the second half flew by as the Hawks waved the white flag. New York, meanwhile, kept up the intensity and continued to pick them apart. Following Anunoby's incredible first half, Bridges took the baton in the third quarter and fully broke out, finishing with 24 points on 10-for-12 from the floor.
-- Also impressive in the second half was Towns, who, for the second straight game, showed off his passing abilities and dished out 10 assists for yet another triple-double after scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He also added three steals and a block in just 28 minutes. His double-digit assists were the most on the team, with Brunson not far behind with eight.
Speaking of Brunson, it wasn't his best shooting night, particularly from deep (1-for-6), but the point guard finished with 17 points and made his teammates around him better. None benefitted more than Anunoby, who led all scorers with 29 points on 11-for-14 from the field and 4-for-6 from deep. Anunoby did it all with seven rebounds, four steals, two assists and a block.
-- New York unloaded its bench in the fourth quarter and every single player got on the board. The Knicks shot 58.8 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three-point range. They also outrebounded the Hawks, 46-35, and had 16 steals on the night.
Game MVP: OG Anunoby
His play in the first half helped propel the Knicks to their incredible lead that sealed their series win.
ATLANTA — The Knicks made a closeout game look like a preseason game.
It’s hard to picture now, but there was actually a time the Knicks trailed in this series. But by the end of the series, it looked like the Hawks didn’t belong on the same court.
The Knicks toyed with them. They bullied them.
They humiliated them — in historic fashion.
Jalen Brunson reacts after hitting a shot during the Knicks’ 140-89 Game 6 series-clinching win over the Hawks on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta. Charles Wenzelberg
There was no room for even a glimmer of hope for the Hawks. Hardly a second of belief they might have a shot to force a Game 7. The Knicks wouldn’t allow it. This was them at their very best, as they obliterated the Hawks 140-89 in Game 6 on Thursday night at State Farm Arena to win the series and advance to the second round, where they’ll face the winner of Saturday’s Game 7 between the Celtics and 76ers.
The blowout was unprecedented:
They led by 47 points at halftime, setting the record for biggest halftime lead in postseason history.
They led by 53 points after three quarters, setting the record for biggest lead after three quarters in postseason history.
Their 61-point lead in the third quarter was the biggest in franchise history in the postseason.
The 140 points were the most the Knicks have scored in a playoff game.
“That’s something where it shows what we can do,” Josh Hart said. “And now we gotta continue to build off of it. Now we can’t sit there and not do it because we know we have what it takes to do it.
“It just reinforced the kind of team that we have, the players that we have, the coaches that we have.”
The Knicks closed the first quarter on an incredible 31-4 run and led by 25 heading into the second quarter. And the Hawks completely capitulated. The Knicks started the second quarter on a 32-7 run to take a 50-point lead. In total, it was an absurd 63-11 run spanning the two quarters. Just a few more minutes into the second quarter, the lead was 61. They were able to pull their starters by the end of the third quarter.
It was comical. It looked like one of those games against a tanking opponent at the end of the year. Even those are usually more competitive.
“Feel good about it tonight,” Jalen Brunson said. “Tomorrow, we turn the page. It’s good to celebrate the wins, but we can’t let this drag on. We gotta refocus up. When we wake up tomorrow, it’s on to the next.”
It left the Hawks with nothing left to play for beyond pretending to show fight and provoking the Knicks. And Mitchell Robinson took their bait.
OG Anunoby attempts a shot during the Knicks’ April 30 win against the Hawks. Charles Wenzelberg
As OG Anunoby took a free throw in the second quarter, Dyson Daniels yanked Robinson’s arm. Robinson subsequently got in Daniels’ face, and Onyeka Okongwu came over and tried to pull Robinson away from Daniels. That’s when a heated fracas ignited.
Players and coaches from both teams ran in and separated the two, but Robinson tried to go back for more. Knicks coach Mike Brown fell while trying to get in Robinson’s way. Referee Kevin Scott was knocked to the ground earlier.
Robinson and Daniels were given technicals and ejected. Daniels’ was one of three Hawks technicals — Jalen Johnson and coach Quin Snyder also got one each — in the second quarter as they unraveled.
Anunoby — to complete his excellent series — got the Knicks going early, scoring 10 of their first 15 points as he continued his red-hot shooting. By halftime, he had 26 points and finished with 29 — on 11-for-14 shooting from the field and 4-for-6 from 3-point range — along with seven rebounds.
Jalen Brunson defends against Dyson Daniels during the Knicks’ April 30 win against the Hawks. Charles Wenzelberg
The Hawks offered such little resistance that even Mikal Bridges — who otherwise had a nightmarish series — was able to go off and use the game as a needed confidence booster. He recorded 24 points on 10-for-12 shooting from the field.
Towns, despite only making one field goal, finished with another triple-double, recording 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. He became the first Knick to record multiple triple-doubles in the same series, and the second in the same postseason, joining Walt Frazier.
Brunson added 17 points and eight assists. Hart had 14 points.
The Knicks recorded an absurd 16 steals along with six blocks.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker accepted his Most Improved Player award just before tipoff. It was the last — and only — thing Hawks fans had to cheer for. It wouldn’t be long until they were down double digits and until double digits turned into a bloodbath.
Remember when the Knicks trailed 2-1 in the series? Over the next three games, they outscored the Hawks by a combined 96 points.
They’re surging at the perfect time.
“Our guys, their connectedness right now is off the charts,” Brown said. “When you lock into the detail and you’re connected like that, with a group that’s as talented and versatile as that group, you got a chance to do that.”
Apr 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) is defended by New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado (5) in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks were back at home for Game 6 to face the New York Knicks in a win-or-go-home situation. The last two games have not been the best for the Hawks, and they found themselves in a position where they have to play some of their best basketball if they want to stay alive.
The Hawks got on the board with this nice pass for Jalen Johnson that led to a dunk.
It was a good start for the Hawks, but the Knicks started to find a rhythm on offense. Several turnovers also hurt the Hawks, and the Knicks got in transition and scored.
The Hawks tried to stop the bleeding, and Johnson found Mouhamed Gueye for this lob.
Things didn’t get any better for the Hawks in the first, as the turnovers continued to pile up. The Knicks took advantage and they put their foot on the gas to give themselves a 25-point lead going into the second.
It got worse for the Hawks in the second, and couldn’t generate much offense at all. On the other hand, it felt like the Knicks were getting whatever they wanted.
The emotions started to come out for the Hawks, and Dyson Daniels found himself tangled up with Mitchell Robinson midway through the quarter, which took a while for both sides to cool down. Daniels and Robinson both received technicals and were ejected from the game.
It was another 40-point quarter for the Knicks, and the Hawks trailed 83-36 going into halftime.
The third quarter was probably the Hawks’ best of the night, but it didn’t matter because the score was already out of control. Johnson led the way with eight points, but the bench played most of the quarter. The Hawks trailed 117-64 going into the fourth.
The starters came out to begin the fourth, but after a while, the end of the bench played out the remainder of the game.
Though it was a rough way to end the season, the Hawks still have to be proud of the year they had, despite the many changes on tbhe team.
The next stop for the Hawks will be the lottery, where they have a chance to get a top pick in the draft.
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 23: Atlanta Braves groundsman Ed Mangan clad in a tuxedo hoses down the infield prior to the start of the Braves game 23 September against the Montreal Expos at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Mangan and his fellow grounds crew and stadium ushers wore tuxedos to commemorate the final regular season game to be held at Fulton County Stadium. The stadium will be torn down as the Braves move to the Olympic Stadium next year. AFP PHOTO Doug COLLIER (Photo credit should read DOUG COLLIER/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
During Thursday’s game against the Detroit Tigers, the Atlanta Braves shared the news that Ed Mangan, Vice President of Field Operations, was retiring after more than 35 years with the organization.
While the news might seem innocuous to those whose fandom of the Braves began after his tenure started in Atlanta, his immediate impact to the literal on-the-field product played a significant role in Atlanta resurgence in the early 1990s.
After more than 35 years of dedication to the game, the Atlanta Braves proudly celebrate the retirement of Vice President of Field Operations Ed Mangan. Since joining the organization in 1990, Ed has set the standard for excellence in field operations, playing a vital role in… pic.twitter.com/3t7AQ8l1zy
When John Schuerholtz joined the Atlanta Braves as General Manager in 1990, replacing Bobby Cox who shifted to the managerial role after leading a re-build of the organization’s farm system, one of Schuerholtz’s first moves was bringing in Mangan as groundskeeper from the Kansas City Royals to improve the playing surface at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
Prior to Mangan’s arrival, Atlanta’s home stadium was notorious for its poor playing condition – something made worse each August as it was also home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons until 1992.
To help the team’s young starting pitchers, Schuerholz brought in middle infielder Rafael Belliard, first baseman Sid Bream and third baseman Terry Pendelton to improve the team’s infield defense. But, it was Mangan’s ability to drastically improve the playing surface that helped him gain acclaim and notoriety as the Braves road their worst-to-first 1991 season all the way to Game 7 of the World Series.
The Atlanta Braves proudly honor Vice President of Field Operations Ed Mangan on his retirement after 35 years of dedicated service.
Since joining the organization in 1990, Ed has set the standard for excellence in field operations, contributing to countless games, unforgettable… pic.twitter.com/3eOaw4P4qV
Since Mangan took over duties caring for the Braves home field, the team has call three different stadiums home, including Atlanta’s current home of Truist Park. Although there were a few times when the team had a few minor challenging stadium field conditions – early 2016 being one example – the Braves benefited from having one of the better playing surfaces in baseball for most of the last four decades.
Mangan’s career also including working dozens of Super Bowls in addition to his duties with the Braves.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been fined a quarter of his match fee for vaping in the dressing room during a game, the Indian Premier League said Thursday.
Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
A bullpen game. A rain delay. A rainbow stretching over the ballpark, and two walk-offs in the same day. This was a weird one, and ultimately a happy one. All is well that ends well, and, like today’s first affair, this ended well.
Tim Mayza got the ball first for the Phillies, walking one, but putting the other three Giants away. Adrian Houser, starting for San Francisco, would have a bit of a rockier start. The first pitch he threw, a sinker to Trea Turner, ended up in the middle of the plate, and then over the fence. His next three pitches, offered to Kyle Schwarber, fared a bit better, in that they did not join their fallen brethren in the Valhalla of the cheap seats. But the one after— a slider that caught too much of the plate— ended up over the fence, too.
Nolan Hoffman took over for Mayza in the top of the third, quickly accruing two outs, then loading the bases on a pair of singles and a walk. He slipped past the danger by inducing a fly out.
Alec Bohm had a rough frame in the top of the fourth, though not through error or carelessness; just the bad fortune to be where a pair of Giants were, despite their team’s name, playing small ball. Eric Haase singled on a ball that pulled Bohm just far enough that a play couldn’t be made in time, and Logan Gilbert hit a chopper that a charging Bohm couldn’t pull in, putting runners at the corners. The San Franciscans plated their first run on a Heliot Ramos sacrifice fly. One inning later, now facing Jonathan Bowlan, they plated their second, also via sac fly, set up by a Casey Schmitt triple that bounced off the wall and got away from Justin Crawford. A mighty throw from Schwarber almost put Schmitt out; the sort of play that impresses, even as it exists only in the memory and not the box score.
The Phillies chased Houser in the bottom of the fifth, as Turner singled with two outs. His replacement, Ryan Borucki, then had the unenviable task of facing Schwarber and Bryce Harper with a runner on. The former doubled, the latter walked, and the bases were loaded for Adolis García. He worked a 3-1 count, then made the mistake of failing to challenge a miscalled pitch that would’ve been the fourth ball. But some mistakes work out: because he didn’t take the free pass, he remained at the plate to smack a slider to left, scoring two.
But the ABS gods, insulted by García’s refusal of their kind offering, wept, their tears taking the form of a chill rain drenching the Bank. Bowlan, struggling to control the wet ball, walked Jung Hoo Lee to open the sixth on five pitches; a rain delay ensued soon after. After the rain dried up, a rainbow appeared over Philadelphia. Those who kept their eyes on the skies were treated to a much happier sight than those who kept their eyes on the field. Trevor Richards took over after the break, getting two outs but also loading the bases via double and walk. That brought Luis Arraez to the plate. He is not precisely who you hope to see when a single base hit separates you from a lost lead. Arraez did what he does, singling to right to tie the game.
Richards did not break under the pressure, staying in the game and pitching a 1-2-3 seventh. He allowed a one-out single to Drew Gilbert in the eighth, and was replaced with Brad Keller, who ensured that Gilbert remained exactly where he was. García worked a walk to open the Phillies’ half of the eighth, and was advanced to second by a sacrifice bunt from Bryson Stott, then to third by a little chopper from Bohm. He was stranded there when Justin Crawford flew out to left.
Keller returned for the ninth, starting things off with the rare achievement of striking out Arraez. He plunked Schmitt with a pitch, and was pulled for José Alvarado. Alvarado gave up a single to Rafael Devers, putting runners on the corners. He struck out Willy Adames, but gave up a single up the middle to Jung Hoo Lee, giving the Giants the lead. A walk issued to Patrick Bailey loaded the bases, but Alvarado exited the frame without further damage.
The Phillies thus entered the bottom of the ninth hoping to get their second walk-off of the day. Brandon Marsh was called in as a pinch hitter and made Mattingly’s move pay off, smacking a fastball to center-left for a leadoff double. Garrett Stubbs joined him on the basepaths via the free pass. The good start turned sour quickly as Turner grounded into a double play, putting Marsh 90 feet from tying the game and the Phillies one out away from losing it. The Giants could’ve granted Schwarber an intentional walk; they decided to test him. He decided to double to right and tie it. The San Franciscans, thus suitably chastened, quietly granted Harper first base, then let García take his turn. He took a ball deep, and as it sailed through the Philadelphia night it seemed every bit as beautiful as the rainbow that traced the same arc just hours earlier. But the rainbow ended in a Giant glove (regulation-sized) , and we went to extras.
Chase Shugart took to the mound, allowing a leadoff single that glanced off Stott and into center. He struck out Matt Chapman, then allowed a hard liner to Luis Arraez. But a perfect dive from Bohm turned the would-be go ahead single into an out, and a flyout kept the game tied, as the Phillies once more hoped to go two for two on walk-offs.
Matt Gage was tasked with stifling those hopes. Stott bunted García to third, and Bohm stepped into the box as the would-be hero. Few children play-act a walk-off sacrifice fly in their backyards. But adults can take joy in a job well done, even when it’s a humble one. Bohm hit the ball to center, not deep, but deep enough to send García, and all the fans, home.
The Phillies are 12-19. They return to action tomorrow against the Marlins in Miami.
Scott's first big league start since Tommy John surgery did not go well, with the 26-year-old right-hander lasting just 1.1 innings due to a lack of command.
During his outing, Scott gave up one run while issuing five walks and hitting one batter, but didn't allow a hit.
He was sent down to Triple-A Syracuse the day after the start, but the Mets were able to call him back up without having him spend the required 10 days in the minors since he replaced an injured player (Kodai Senga). With Senga on the IL and David Peterson's future in the rotation up in the air, the expectation is that Scott will get a serious look.
Scott's stuff looked great in spring training, and he walked only two batters in 13.2 innings for Syracuse before being promoted the first time. So it is fair to believe his bout of wildness during his first start had more to do with nerves than anything.
He'll get his second shot in Friday's series-opener.
Bounce back is in quotations above because McLean allowed just two runs (one earned) in five innings during his start against the Rockies last week.
It wasn't the results that were different, though, but the way McLean looked in the fourth inning after cruising.
McLean retired nine of the first 10 batters he faced, including six via the strikeout. But in the fourth inning, he was jumped, giving up back-to-back hard-hit singles and a walk to load the bases with none out, and then surrendering a run-scoring single. He escaped the jam with a strikeout and double play, but it was the kind of inning McLean hadn't had all season.
In his fifth and final inning, McLean retired the side in order.
Overall this season, McLean has been dominant, with a 2.55 ERA (2.24 FIP) and 0.849 WHIP to go along with 45 strikeouts in 35.1 innings -- a strikeout rate of 11.5 per nine.
Soto has reached base 17 times in 34 plate appearances since returning from the IL.
In his first at-bat against the Nationals on Thursday afternoon, Soto was robbed of a home run by James Wood, who leapt and snatched a ball that would've otherwise cleared the wall easily. Soto ripped a single his second time up. In his third plate appearance, Soto was pitched around and walked. His fourth time up, Soto smoked a ball off the center field wall for a double.
Mar 31, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets left fielder Juan Soto (22) hits a single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. / Jeff Curry - Imagn Images
It will be interesting to see how the Angels pitch to Soto since Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco, and Luis Robert Jr. are all on the IL, while the rest of the Mets' lineup has struggled.
If they give him pitches to hit, he'll probably punish them. If not, he'll take his walks and it'll be left to the rest of the lineup to come through.
The rejuvenated Mike Trout
After being limited to just 111 combined games in 2023 and 2024 due to injury, Trout was able to play 130 games in 2025. And he was solid, posting a .797 OPS and popping 26 homers.
So far this season, he looks like vintage Mike Trout.
Trout carried a .999 OPS and 10 homers into play on Thursday. Meanwhile, he was leading the AL with 29 runs scored and leading all of baseball in walks (32).
The Angels' offense as a whole has been fearsome, with just six teams having scored more than their 150 runs entering play on Thursday.
Mets will avoid Jose Soriano
Soriano has been the best pitcher in baseball this season, posting video game numbers in 42.2 innings over his first seven starts.
He is leading the league with a 0.84 ERA and has a ridiculous 509 ERA+. Soriano has allowed just 24 hits and struck out 49.
So the Mets are lucky they won't have to face him during this series.
Against New York, the Angels will send out Walbert Urena (4.76 ERA, 2.21 WHIP), Reid Detmers (4.28 ERA, 1.10 WHIP), and Jack Kochanowicz (3.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP).
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Juan Soto
Soto has been locked in since returning.
Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?
Nolan McLean
This will be the first look the Angels get at McLean.
Which Angels player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?
Oswald Peraza
Peraza is off to a strong start, looking to cement himself as an everyday player after being acquired from the Yankees
: ESPN) 
