Knicks learned vital lessons in first round of NBA playoffs, just as they did a year ago

Key Points:

• The New York Knicks overcame a 2-1 series deficit against the Atlanta Hawks by revamping their offense, leading to three consecutive wins and a 3-2 series lead, with coach Mike Brown describing the change as a “holistic” reinvention.
• The Knicks returned to an earlier-season offensive style that emphasized purposeful screens and sharp cuts, allowing Karl-Anthony Towns to thrive in the high post and produce two triple-doubles in the last three games.
• Brown credited the Hawks and their coach Quin Snyder for pushing the Knicks to mature and adapt, which resulted in a more effective and cohesive team performance.
• The Knicks’ prior playoff experience, including a tough series against the Detroit Pistons and an upset over the Boston Celtics last season, helped build their resilience and ability to evolve under pressure.
• Now favored to advance further in the playoffs, the Knicks face the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals with home-court advantage and a fully healthy roster, but will need to contain stars like Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid to continue their postseason success.