New York Knicks 2026 Playoff Schedule and Full 2025-26 Season Results

The New York Knicks are currently in the heat of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, chasing a championship after one of the most successful regular seasons in recent franchise history. With Madison Square Garden rocking and the team led by a dynamic core including Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, fans are closely monitoring every matchup. As of late April 2026, the focus has shifted entirely to the Eastern Conference First Round against the Atlanta Hawks.

Current 2026 NBA Playoffs Schedule: First Round vs. Atlanta Hawks

The New York Knicks entered the 2026 postseason with home-court advantage, finishing as one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference. The best-of-seven series against the Atlanta Hawks has already delivered high-stakes drama and tactical masterclasses.

Below is the schedule for the remaining games in this first-round series. Please note that all times are Eastern Time (ET) and are subject to broadcast changes.

*If necessary

The Game 4 matchup on April 25 is a pivotal "swing game." Historically, teams that take a lead after Game 4 in a tied or 2-1 series have a significantly higher probability of advancing. The Knicks' coaching staff, now spearheaded by Mike Brown, has emphasized defensive rotations to contain Atlanta's perimeter shooting, which proved lethal during their Game 2 victory in New York.

Series Recap: How the Knicks and Hawks Stand After Three Games

The series kicked off at "The World's Most Famous Arena" with an explosive Game 1. Jalen Brunson dominated the mid-range, scoring 32 points and dishing out 10 assists to lead the Knicks to a 113–102 win. Karl-Anthony Towns provided the necessary floor spacing, dragging Atlanta's rim protectors away from the paint and opening lanes for OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.

However, Game 2 showcased the resilience of the Hawks. Despite a late-game rally by Josh Hart and a flurry of three-pointers from Donte DiVincenzo, the Knicks fell short by a single point, 107–106. This loss emphasized the importance of late-game execution and perimeter defense, as the Hawks exploited small gaps in the Knicks' switching scheme.

As the series shifted to Atlanta for Game 3, the atmosphere intensified. The Knicks' depth has been a recurring theme throughout the season, and it remains the primary advantage in this series. The bench unit, led by Miles McBride, has consistently provided defensive sparks, allowing the starters to rest without the lead evaporating—a luxury the team hasn't always enjoyed in past playoff runs.

Full 2025-26 Regular Season Schedule and Monthly Highlights

The road to the 2026 playoffs was paved during a grueling 82-game regular season that began in October 2025. This season was marked by a significant shift in identity under new head coach Mike Brown and the integration of high-profile acquisitions.

October and November: A Fast Start and NBA Cup Momentum

The Knicks opened their campaign on October 22, 2025, with a high-profile matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.

• Oct. 22 vs. Cleveland: Won 119–111. OG Anunoby set the tone for the season with 24 points and 14 rebounds.
• Oct. 24 vs. Boston: Won 105–95. A statement win against the defending champions, with Brunson scoring 31.
• Nov. 5 vs. Minnesota: Won 137–114. A dominant offensive performance that signaled the team's improved scoring ceiling.
• Nov. 14 vs. Miami: Won 140–132. A double-overtime thriller that showcased the "Nova Knicks" chemistry.

During these opening months, the Knicks were also focused on the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup. Placed in East Group C alongside Chicago, Miami, Charlotte, and Milwaukee, the Knicks went undefeated in group play. Their ability to treat regular-season games with playoff-level intensity became a hallmark of the Mike Brown era.

December: Christmas Day Glory and Cup Championship

December 2025 will go down in Knicks lore as the month they secured their first piece of silverware in decades. The team traveled to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup knockout rounds, eventually defeating the Milwaukee Bucks to claim the 2025 NBA Cup trophy.

• Dec. 2 @ Boston: Lost 102–110. A rare stumble against a divisional rival.
• Dec. 14: NBA Cup Championship Game (Las Vegas). The Knicks secured the title, with Karl-Anthony Towns earning tournament MVP honors.
• Dec. 25 vs. Cleveland: Won 122–115. The annual Christmas Day tradition at MSG saw the Knicks avenge their earlier losses to elite East teams.

The momentum from the NBA Cup victory carried the team through the holidays. The integration of Karl-Anthony Towns into the starting lineup was finalized by this point, with his ability to pass out of the post becoming a secondary engine for the offense.

January and February: Navigating the Mid-Season Grind

The turn of the year brought the longest road trips of the season. The Knicks spent a significant portion of January on the West Coast, testing their endurance and depth.

• Jan. 14 @ Sacramento: Lost 112–118. Mike Brown’s return to his former team was a hard-fought battle decided in the final minutes.
• Jan. 15 @ Golden State: Won 125–120. A back-to-back victory that highlighted the team's conditioning.
• Feb. 1 vs. LA Lakers: Won 114–108. A primetime victory at home that solidified the Knicks' status as a "League Pass" favorite.
• Feb. 8 @ Boston: Lost 105–112. A defensive slugfest at TD Garden that served as a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview.

By the All-Star break in February, the Knicks were firmly entrenched in the second spot in the Atlantic Division. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were both named All-Stars, representing the franchise on the global stage.

March and April: Securing the Postseason Berth

The final stretch of the regular season was about health and seeding. The Knicks managed to stay relatively healthy, a testament to the revamped training staff and Mike Brown's more balanced minute distribution compared to previous regimes.

• March 4 vs. Oklahoma City: Won 121–110. A victory against the Western Conference leaders that proved the Knicks could compete with any style of play.
• March 11 @ Utah: Won 130–122. Jordan Clarkson, a former Jazz favorite now in New York, provided a scoring punch off the bench.
• April 9 vs. Boston: Won 118–114. A crucial late-season win that secured home-court advantage for the first round.
• April 12 vs. Charlotte: Won 124–105. The regular-season finale, where bench players received significant minutes to prepare for the playoff rotation.

The Knicks finished the regular season with a record that placed them among the elite, setting up the current first-round showdown with the Atlanta Hawks.

Key Performance Stats and Roster Impact in 2026

To understand why the 2026 schedule has been so favorable for New York, one must look at the statistical profile of the roster. The team has evolved from a grit-and-grind defensive squad into a modern offensive powerhouse that maintains its physical edge.

The Backcourt Leadership

Jalen Brunson remains the undisputed heartbeat of the team. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 27.4 points and 8.2 assists per game. His efficiency in the clutch—defined as the final five minutes of a game within five points—ranked in the top three league-wide. His ability to manipulate the schedule's back-to-back games by pacing his effort has been key to his longevity this season.

The Frontcourt Revolution

The addition of Karl-Anthony Towns changed everything. By providing a legitimate three-point threat from the center position, he cleared the lane for Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby to cut and finish. Towns averaged a double-double (22 points, 11 rebounds) while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. His presence forced opponents to abandon traditional drop coverage, making the Knicks' pick-and-roll nearly impossible to guard.

Defensive Versatility

Under Mike Brown, the Knicks adopted a more aggressive "scrambling" defense. OG Anunoby continued his DPOY-level trajectory, often guarding the opponent's best player regardless of position. The Knicks finished the regular season in the top five for both Defensive Rating and Net Rating.

How to Watch New York Knicks Games: Broadcast and Streaming Guide

For fans following the 2026 playoff schedule, accessibility is better than ever thanks to the NBA's updated media rights deal. The Knicks have been a staple of national television this year, appearing in 34 nationally televised or streamed games during the regular season.

• Local Broadcasts: Most regular-season games and early-round playoff games are available on MSG Network. This remains the primary home for local fans in the New York tri-state area.
• National Broadcasts (ABC/NBC/ESPN): Major playoff matchups, including Game 5 and a potential Game 7 against Atlanta, are frequently picked up by ABC or the newly returned NBA on NBC.
• Streaming Services: A significant number of games this season have shifted to Peacock and Amazon Prime Video. Fans should check their local listings for "Prime Video" exclusive games, which usually occur on Thursday nights.
• Radio: For those on the move, 98.7 ESPN New York provides full play-by-play coverage for every game on the 2026 schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New York Knicks Schedule

What was the New York Knicks' record in the 2025-26 regular season?

The Knicks finished the regular season with a strong record (9-5 in their first 14 games, eventually finishing over 50 wins), securing a top-4 seed in the Eastern Conference and home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs.

When is the next Knicks game against the Atlanta Hawks?

As of April 25, 2026, the next game is Game 4, taking place tonight at 6:00 PM ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Did the Knicks win the NBA Cup this season?

Yes. The New York Knicks won the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup in December 2025, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in the championship game in Las Vegas.

Who is the head coach for the New York Knicks in 2026?

The team is led by Mike Brown, who took over the head coaching duties for the 2025-26 season, succeeding Tom Thibodeau.

Where can I buy tickets for the Knicks playoff games?

Official tickets for games at Madison Square Garden are sold through verified marketplaces like Ticketmaster. Due to high demand, average ticket prices for the 2026 playoffs range from $250 to over $400 for premium seating.

Summary of the Knicks 2025-26 Campaign

The 2025-26 New York Knicks season has been a masterclass in roster building and tactical evolution. From the early-season dominance in the NBA Cup to the steady climb up the Eastern Conference standings, the team has proven it belongs in the title conversation. The current playoff schedule against the Atlanta Hawks is the first major hurdle in what fans hope will be a deep run toward the NBA Finals. With a healthy core, an innovative coaching staff, and the loudest home-court advantage in basketball, the Knicks are perfectly positioned to capitalize on their most promising season in a generation.

As the playoffs continue, fans should stay tuned for schedule updates, especially for Games 6 and 7, which will be determined by the results of the upcoming matches in Atlanta. Whether you are watching from the blue seats at MSG or streaming from home, the 2026 Knicks are providing a season to remember.