The Hawks’ Game 6 deficit to the Knicks got so bad that Shaquille O’Neal tried to revive the team.
During ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” halftime show on Thursday, O’Neal pulled out a mini plushie of Atlanta’s mascot, Harry the Hawk, and performed CPR compressions on it.
“Shaq’s working out some resuscitation techniques. I don’t think that’s gonna work,” host Ernie Johnson said on the broadcast.
Kenny Smith then started waving a white flag, as O’Neal placed the toy mascot into a miniature coffin.
“I’m gonna miss you, Harry,” O’Neal said jokingly.
The Knicks jumped out to a commanding 83-36 lead over Atlanta at the half, which is the largest lead in NBA postseason history.
New York ultimately rolled to a 140-89 win, the biggest margin of victory in Knicks playoff history.
OG Anunoby led the way for the Knicks during the first half, scoring 26 points — adding three more in the second half — while shooting an efficient 10-of-12 from the field. He finished with 29.
Anunoby, who came into Game 6 averaging 20 points during the series on 54.2 percent from beyond the arc, proved to be one of the catalysts in the opening round of the playoffs.
“I think he’s one of a kind. Getting to see his work ethic, the person he is, what he has just been able to do in his time as a Knick, he’s been great,” Jalen Brunson said of Anunoby on Wednesday. “I’m so happy to have him.
“I’m happy I don’t have to see him on that side of the ball — he just creates havoc. I think his game’s growing, and that’s what happens when you work hard.”
Despite coming out competitive in the game’s first minutes, the Knicks quickly pulled away, establishing a 40-15 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Atlanta attempted to show some fire midway through the second quarter with a scuffle between guard Dyson Daniels and Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson.
Both Daniels and Robinson were ejected from the game after the fight poured onto the sidelines.
The Knicks did not let up, however, outscoring Atlanta 43-21 in the second before the domination continued in the second to end the Hawks’ season.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
