The Atlanta Hawks are preparing for more than just the X’s and O’s ahead of their first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks.
They’re preparing for the noise—and the history that comes with it.
According to Newsday’s Steve Popper, the Hawks piped in audio of the Madison Square Garden organ and crowd during practice this week to simulate the playoff atmosphere awaiting them in New York.
“It was like Madison Square Garden in Atlanta today,” CJ McCollum told reporters in Atlanta.
Knicks Eye Revenge After 2021 Playoff Loss to Hawks
The environment carries extra weight given the history between the two teams.
The Knicks are still chasing revenge for their 2021 first-round loss, when Atlanta stunned New York in five games behind a late-season surge following a coaching change.
That series helped establish Trae Young as a Knicks villain, highlighted by his Game 1 heroics and signature bow toward the Madison Square Garden crowd in Game 5.
Five years later, the rivalry has shifted.
Young is no longer part of the equation, and Atlanta enters this matchup with a different identity built around length, athleticism and versatility.
Jalen Johnson Leads New-Look Hawks Into Playoffs
GettyJalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks dunks the ball.
The Hawks are now anchored by All-Star forward Jalen Johnson, whose all-around game represents the team’s evolution.
Johnson’s athleticism and defensive versatility could present problems for a Knicks team that relies heavily on half-court execution.
Atlanta’s confidence in the matchup was evident down the stretch, as the team prioritized health in its regular-season finale—positioning itself for this series.
Hawks Embrace Underdog Role Despite Knicks’ Favoritism
Despite Atlanta’s confidence, most analysts expect New York to advance.
According to a recent ESPN playoff prediction survey, 12 of the network’s top insiders picked the Knicks to win the series, projecting outcomes ranging from five to seven games.
Still, the matchup may not be straightforward.
“Atlanta has a real chance for an upset in this series,” ESPN’s Zach Kram wrote. “The Hawks have a strong starting five and have been hot for months.”
Kram pointed to Atlanta’s perimeter defenders, including Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, as key factors in slowing down Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
Mitchell Robinson Could Be Knicks’ X-Factor
While the Hawks’ backcourt defense could shape the series, New York’s frontcourt depth may prove decisive.
Kram identified Knicks backup center Mitchell Robinson as a potential X-factor after he averaged 10.5 rebounds (including four offensive boards) and 2.0 blocks in 19.0 minutes per game against Atlanta this season.
That interior presence could help the Knicks control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities.
Madison Square Garden Atmosphere Looms Over Series
All of it will unfold under the spotlight of Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks have one of the league’s most energized home crowds.
For Atlanta, replicating that environment in practice is about preparation—not intimidation.
But once the series begins, the noise, intensity and history will all come into play.
And for both teams, the stakes go beyond just advancing—they’re tied to a rivalry still shaped by what happened five years ago.
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