After a massive 51-point victory to eliminate the Hawks, Coach Mike Brown reveals the tactical ‘thinking cap’ moments that changed everything; Yankee Scores reports…

While reveling in their progress to the Eastern Conference semifinals, New York Knicks coach Mike Brown said the Hawks brought out the best in them.

Offensive Evolution

The Knicks went out roaring with a decisive Game 6 win, beating the Hawks 140-89 as they advance to the second round of the Eastern Conference.

They wait for the Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers series result after the two meet in Game 7 in Boston on Saturday.

The Knicks avoided making their series a win-or-go-home game.

“The biggest thing is we had to change our offense,” Brown said. “Again, not as drastic as we probably did halfway through the year, but we had to change it because every possession was a grind those first three games, especially down the stretch.”

“They forced us to put our thinking caps on, and they forced us to play different,” Brown said. “Find ways to make the game easier for our players while putting them in their strengths, while trying not to hinder them.”

Defensive Lockdown

First‑time All‑Star Jalen Johnson led the Hawks during the regular season in points, rebounds, and assists, but was minimized in the playoffs.

“We’ve always told each other that obviously we want to win, and that’s most important,” Jalen Brunson said. “We’ve said it a lot. When it comes to decisions like this, it’s about actions.”

While the other Eastern Conference playoff teams have yet to advance, the Knicks can rest for a few days before the next series begins. Josh Hart was listed as questionable for Game 6 because of a lower-back contusion, but he started and played 27 minutes.

The Bridges Bounce-Back

“It was great. He just did what he’s capable of doing now,” Brown said of Bridges. “I wouldn’t let it go unnoticed that his defense was phenomenal. Not only was his defense phenomenal but rebounding.”

“It’s tough because when you’re up that big, stuff happens,” Brown said. “And it’s hard. If somebody feels like something that shouldn’t happen happens, it’s hard to keep your composure in that moment.”