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Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks ldrives against Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks.

The Atlanta Hawks are preparing for Madison Square Garden in a way that has drawn attention. For the New York Knicks, it’s a reminder of what’s ahead—and what still hasn’t been forgotten.

During practice in Atlanta, the Hawks piped in simulated crowd noise and organ music to replicate the atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden ahead of their first-round playoff series.

“It was like Madison Square Garden in Atlanta today,” Hawks guard CJ McCollum said, via Newsday’s Steve Popper.

The approach highlights how seriously Atlanta is taking the challenge of playing in one of the NBA’s most intense environments. But for the Knicks, the focus remains internal—and rooted in unfinished business.

Knicks-Hawks History Still Lingers Ahead of Playoff Series

The matchup carries weight beyond just seeding.

When the teams met in the 2021 playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks eliminated the New York Knicks in five games, a series that helped define the rivalry. Trae Young punctuated that run with late-game heroics and a bow toward the Madison Square Garden crowd.

Five years later, the dynamic has shifted. Young is no longer part of the Hawks, and the team is now led by forward Jalen Johnson.

Still, the emotional context remains.

The Knicks enter the series with a chance to rewrite that narrative.

Knicks’ Homecourt Edge Adds Pressure for Hawks

Atlanta’s decision to simulate Madison Square Garden speaks to the environment awaiting them—something the Knicks have consistently turned into a competitive advantage.

New York finished the regular season with a 30-10 home record, the fourth-best mark in the NBA, trailing only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (34-8), the San Antonio Spurs (32-8) and the Detroit Pistons (32-9).

One of those 10 losses came against Atlanta, which earned a 111-99 win at Madison Square Garden in January. The Knicks, however, responded by winning the other two meetings—both three-point victories in Atlanta, including a 108-105 win earlier in April that snapped the Hawks’ 13-game winning streak.

That split underscores how competitive the matchup has been, even with New York’s strong home performance.

Knicks Lean on Depth, Defense in Rematch With Hawks

New York’s approach is expected to center on depth and physicality, particularly in the frontcourt.

According to ESPN’s playoff projections, a dozen analysts picked the Knicks to advance. Center Mitchell Robinson has been a key factor, averaging 10.5 rebounds (including four offensive boards) and 2.0 blocks in 19.0 minutes per game against Atlanta this season.

That presence could prove pivotal against a Hawks team built on pace and versatility.

“Atlanta has a real chance for an upset in this series,” ESPN’s Zach Kram wrote. “But the Knicks’ superior depth, particularly in the frontcourt, will be the difference.”

Series Set for Competitive Rematch

Atlanta’s preparation highlights the challenge of playing at Madison Square Garden.

For the Knicks, it reinforces the opportunity.

The matchup brings together playoff history, contrasting styles and a competitive regular-season series. And while the Hawks are preparing for the noise, the Knicks are preparing to respond—this time with a different outcome in mind.