Patryk Stachowiak
Eastern Conference Brackets Shift as Three Teams Advance
Three first-round matchups produced decisive results on April 30, 2026. The New York Knicks dismantled the Atlanta Hawks 140-89, securing their fourth consecutive Eastern Conference Semifinals berth. The Minnesota Timberwolves outlasted the Denver Nuggets 110-98 despite significant roster absences, advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals. The Boston Celtics fell to the Philadelphia 76ers 106-93, forcing a winner-take-all Game 7 in Boston on Saturday.
Knicks Set Franchise Records
OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 29 points, seven rebounds, and four steals on 11-of-14 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his second career postseason triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Knicks shot 59 percent from the field while holding Atlanta to below 38 percent.
New York’s 51-point halftime lead (83-36) stands as the largest halftime advantage in NBA playoff history, surpassing the previous record of 50 points set in the regular season. The 51-point final margin represents the franchise’s largest playoff victory ever. The Knicks will face the winner of the Boston-Philadelphia series in Round 2.
Timberwolves Advance Without Key Contributors
Jaden McDaniels carried Minnesota with 32 points and 10 rebounds in a gutsy Game 6 victory. The Timberwolves operated without Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, and Ayo Dosunmu but still controlled crucial statistical battles. Minnesota won the turnover battle 9-4 and dominated the paint 50-36.
Terrence Shannon added 24 points and six rebounds, while Rudy Gobert provided 10 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Nikola Jokic posted 28 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists for Denver, but the Nuggets couldn’t force a seventh game. The Timberwolves will face the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals, marking their third consecutive appearance at that stage.
Sixers Force Decider in Boston
Tyrese Maxey erupted for 30 points as the Sixers outlasted Boston 106-93. Philadelphia seized momentum with a dominant middle two quarters, outscoring the Celtics 62-40 in the second and third periods combined.
Joel Embiid contributed 19 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in the clinching effort. Game 7 tips off Saturday in Boston, with the winner advancing to meet either the Knicks or another Eastern Conference semifinalist. The Celtics had led the series 3-2 before dropping Game 6, forcing the decisive matchup at home.
Read also: Thunder Complete Sweep, Magic Force Game 5, Nuggets Cut Series Deficit