Biggest blowouts in NBA playoff history: Knicks take record lead at half

May 1, 2026 NBA News

The New York Knicks have a chance to make some NBA playoff history on Thursday night.

Holding a 3-2 series lead entering Game 6, the Knicks came out and blitzed the Hawks in Atlanta, taking an 83-36 lead into the half. It’s the largest halftime lead in an NBA playoff game, per ESPN.

If events continue on this trajectory, the Knicks have a shot at authoring the biggest blowout win in NBA playoff history. They’re up 47 at the half. The record margin of victory in a playoff game is 58 points, held by two teams.

Here’s a look at the biggest blowouts in NBA playoff history:

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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.

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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.

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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.

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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.

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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.

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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.