3 Knicks bold predictions vs. Hawks in 2026 NBA Playoffs

After a regular season that may have provided more questions than answers, the New York Knicks are back in the NBA Playoffs and searching for the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.

After losing in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in both 2023 and 2024, the Knicks advanced to the East Finals and came within two victories of a championship appearance. New head coach Mike Brown feels as though his team has meshed in a way that could result in a run similar to the previous squads he has been associated with.

“It’s what our standard is about,” Brown told Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “They were different teams. I was the head coach of Cleveland and we got to the Finals with a young team. Assistant coach in San Antonio with a veteran team. Assistant coach in Golden State with a veteran team. If there was something that was similar with all those different teams, they all somehow, someway sacrificed throughout the course of the year. They found a way to be connected, especially at the right time. They all had an unbelievable competitive spirit and the belief in the process and each other was always there. And everybody was OK holding one another accountable. They all embraced that.

“I feel that this group has trended towards that way.”

As the Knicks get ready to face the Atlanta Hawks in their first-round matchup, it is fair to believe that they should advance and continue their journey. But, there are three elements worth keeping an eye on as the heart of the tournament begins.

Jalen Brunson will elevate his game once again

Some players seem to rise to the occasion consistently. Over the course of his tenure with the Knicks, Jalen Brunson has done exactly that once spring has rolled around. Across 42 postseason contests with New York, Brunson has averaged 29.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists.

These marks are better than his total career stats. Over his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks and Knicks, Brunson has averaged 19.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.

The Villanova product was also willing to speak about Hawks guard Dyson Daniels before the series, and did not hold back when describing his abilities.

“He’s a great defender,” Brunson said following Wednesday’s practice. “He’s very smart and he’s able to use his wingspan and create havoc on and off the ball. He does a lot of great things for their team and puts them in position to be successful.”

Anything can happen in the playoffs, but it seems as though the guard can easily reach a fresh status once he realizes the stakes at play.

Jalen Johnson will be a problem

The Knicks have been a solid team throughout the season, but much has been made of their tendency to fall asleep at the wheel and lose to opponents who might otherwise have been considered less serious foes.

The Hawks will put up a fight against the Knicks, and it is more than fair to wonder specifically what Jalen Johnson will produce. He averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists.

The Wisconsin native averaged nearly a triple-double against the Knicks this season, and has all of the needed skills to make them pay in the playoffs. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby may be primarily responsible for guarding the 24-year-old, but it is not a guarantee that they will be able to stifle him at any point.

Athleticism can take an individual a long way, but it is not the defining factor of a team sport. Johnson will likely experience a game or two that help his standing, but he will not gain the same respect as other NBA powers when all is said and done.

Mike Brown will coach better than his competition

The Knicks’ new coach has, without question, gone through ups and downs this season. He has attempted at every turn to change rotations and place a winning basketball team on the floor.

In the first round, Brown will be up against head coach Quin Snyder. While both coaches have claimed to have postseason credentials and overall awareness that should inspire confidence in players, it is debatable as to which savant can lead a team to the finish line.

Brown has been to the NBA Finals, and he realizes the work that goes into such an endeavor. New York’s current iteration has not reached such heights, but it believes he’s the coach to bring the team to the last round.

It’s anyone’s guess as to how the Knicks will perform in the playoffs, but Brown’s track record and overall acumen point to a team that is prepared to make a deep run.

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