Shaq seeks to inspire the Hawks after their first half against the Knicks.

Hawks Struggle Against Knicks in Game 6

The Hawks encountered a significant setback in Game 6 versus the Knicks, prompting Shaquille O’Neal to take on a rather humorous role. During ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” halftime show, O’Neal pulled out a mini stuffed version of Atlanta’s mascot, Harry the Hawk, and jokingly attempted CPR.

“Shaq is crafting a resuscitation plan, but I’m not sure it will be effective,” host Ernie Johnson remarked on air.

As O’Neal placed the toy in a mock coffin, co-host Kenny Smith playfully waved a white flag. “Goodbye, Harry,” O’Neal quipped.

The Knicks dominated the first half with an astonishing 83-36 lead, marking the largest halftime lead in NBA playoff history.

Ultimately, New York secured a resounding 140-89 victory, achieving the largest winning margin in playoff history for the franchise. OG Anunoby was a standout, leading his team in the first half with 26 points, shooting 10 for 12 from the floor, and finishing the game with a total of 29 points.

Anunoby has become a pivotal presence for the Knicks, averaging 20 points during the series and showcasing impressive shooting accuracy of 54.2% beyond the arc in Game 6.

“He’s truly exceptional,” commented Jalen Brunson about Anunoby. “His work ethic, his character—what he brought during his time with the Knicks has been phenomenal. I’m thrilled to have him on board.”

Despite a decent start, where Atlanta held its ground for the opening minutes, the Knicks quickly pulled ahead, concluding the first quarter with a 40-15 advantage.

Things heated up midway through the second quarter when a confrontation arose between guard Dyson Daniels and Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, leading to both players being ejected after the situation escalated onto the sidelines.