The NBA playoff picture shifted dramatically on Thursday night, with two teams punching their tickets to the second round while a couple of others narrowly avoided elimination. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers from an action-packed evening on the hardwood.
Winner: New York Knicks – A Statement Closeout
While other teams stumbled in their chances to end series, the Knicks delivered one of the most dominant closeout performances in playoff history. They absolutely dismantled the Atlanta Hawks 140-89 to win the series 4-2. After dropping two straight one-point games and falling behind 2-1, the pressure was on this Finals-or-bust squad. They responded with three decisive wins by a combined 96 points. On Thursday, they led 40-15 after the first quarter and a staggering 83-36 at halftime—a 47-point lead that ranks as one of the largest in NBA history for any game. The lead ballooned to 61 points, and the final 51-point margin is the third-largest in a closeout game ever. OG Anunoby was unstoppable, pouring in 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting, including four triples, while Karl-Anthony Towns joined Walt Frazier as the only Knicks with multiple playoff triple-doubles, tallying 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Winner: Minnesota Timberwolves – Upset Special
Despite being undermanned, the Timberwolves closed out the Denver Nuggets in a surprising first-round upset. This was a gritty, hard-fought series win that showcases the Wolves' resilience and defensive tenacity. They’ll now advance with momentum and a chip on their shoulder.
Loser: Boston Celtics – From 3-1 to Game 7
The Celtics had a chance to close out their series against the Philadelphia 76ers but couldn’t get it done, falling in Game 6. After leading 3-1, Boston now faces a do-or-die Game 7 on Saturday. The sudden shift in momentum has to be concerning for a team with championship aspirations.
Heated Moment: Jaylen Brown and Jamal Murray Scuffle
Emotions boiled over as Jaylen Brown and Jamal Murray got into a scuffle during Thursday’s action. While neither player was seriously injured, the incident added extra intensity to an already high-stakes playoff atmosphere. It’s the kind of fire that can either ignite a team or become a distraction.
What’s Next?
The Knicks now await the winner of the Celtics-Sixers series, while the Timberwolves advance to face their next challenge. With Game 7s looming and tempers flaring, the 2026 playoffs are delivering drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned—and make sure your gear is ready for the next tip-off.