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Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks during an NBA game.

On Thursday night, the New York Knicks dispatched the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of their first-round playoff matchup to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

It was a total domination by the Knicks, setting the record for the largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history at 47 points. They were up by as many as 61 points before ending with a 140-89 win.

But late in the second quarter, Mitchell Robinson got into an altercation with Hawks guard Dyson Daniels during a box out for a rebound. Robinson, who always seems to have a calm demeanor nearly lost it and went after Daniels.

Both players were assessed with technical fouls and ejected from the game.

NBA Announces Punishment for Mitchell Robinson

GettyMitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks and Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks fight during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Less than 24 hours after the incident, the NBA announced its punishment for Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels. Both players were fined, with Robinson getting the heftier one due to a major reason.

“New York Knicks center-forward Mitchell Robinson has been fined $50,000 and Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels has been fined $25,000 for their roles in an on-court altercation, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations,” the statement read.

The league explained that Robinson was being aggressive despite being separated by referees, teammates and coaches. Mike Brown even fell down like Stan Van Gundy 28 years earlier during a Knicks altercation with the Miami Heat on the same date, April 30, 1998.

But why was Robinson’s fine bigger? It was due to an “inappropriate” post on social media. It’s unclear what post was it, but he made several on his Instagram stories and even dropped a cryptic message on Facebook.

What’s Next For the Knicks?

GettyJalen Brunson #11 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks in action in Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on April 19, 2025 in New York City.

The Knicks are awaiting for their opponent in the Eastern Conference semifinals. It will either be the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers.

The Celtics and Sixers are set to clash in Game 7 of their first-round series on Saturday at the TD Garden. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and company were in control with a 3-1 lead, but they are on the cusp of a possible collapse.

Joel Embiid‘s return has fueled the Sixers to win the last two games in impressive fashion. Embiid is less than a month removed from undergoing an emergency appendectomy.

So how does the Knicks stack up against the Celtics and Sixers?

The Knicks dominated the Celtics in the regular season 3-1. They were matched up in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals, with the Knicks winning the series 4-2.

Meanwhile, the Knicks and Sixers split their regular-season series 2-2. Their last playoff series was in 2024 in the first-round. The Knicks also won that matchup 4-2.

If the Celtics win, Game 1 will be held at the TD Garden. But if the Sixers advances, the Knicks will host Game 1 at Madison Square Garden.