Knicks and Wolves advance in 2026 NBA playoffs; Celtics and Nuggets eliminated
The New York Knicks set an NBA playoff record with a 47-point halftime lead against the Atlanta Hawks, while the Minnesota Wolves overcame a depleted roster to defeat the Denver Nuggets. The Boston Celtics were eliminated following a Game 6 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving the series poised for a potential decider.
On 30 April 2026, the New York Knicks and Minnesota Wolves advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs, while the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets were eliminated from their respective series. The results marked a decisive shift in the postseason landscape, with two teams securing their places against the backdrop of historic performance metrics and significant roster challenges.
The Knicks closed out their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks with a commanding 140-89 victory, advancing to face the winner of the Boston Celtics-Philadelphia 76ers series. This dominant performance was defined by an unprecedented offensive display, as New York set a new NBA playoff record with a 47-point halftime lead. The margin represented the largest advantage any team has ever held after two quarters in a playoff game, surpassing the previous record held by the 1970 Knicks under Walt Frazier.
New York's control of the game was established early, with the team leading by 40 points after the first quarter and extending that advantage to 83-36 at halftime. The second half saw the Knicks outscore Atlanta by 53 points over an 18-minute span, a disparity that underscored the magnitude of their dominance. Key contributors included OG Anunoby, who finished with 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wolves eliminated the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 despite the absence of key players Anthony Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu, and Donte DiVincenzo. The Wolves' success relied heavily on a standout performance by Jaden McDaniels, who scored 32 points and grabbed 10 rebounds without committing a single turnover. McDaniels' efficiency was particularly notable given the team's defensive liabilities, as he became the only player in the postseason to record 30 points and 10 rebounds with zero turnovers.
The elimination of the Boston Celtics followed a 106-93 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6, setting up a potential Game 7. The defeat highlighted significant struggles for the Celtics, particularly from Jaylen Brown, who committed five turnovers and 10 offensive fouls during the match. Brown's defensive efforts were specifically criticised against Paul George, who led the 76ers with 23 points on 54% shooting from deep, a performance that proved decisive in Philadelphia's victory.
The Denver Nuggets also faced a difficult conclusion to their campaign, failing to capitalise on a strong showing from Nikola Jokić, who contributed 28 points and 10 assists. Jamal Murray struggled significantly in the closeout game, scoring 12 points on 4-of-17 shooting and finishing with a -18 plus-minus rating. His inability to provide sufficient shotmaking in a series that required offensive dominance ultimately sealed the Nuggets' fate against the Wolves.
