ATLANTA (Interstat) — The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 140-89 on Thursday night at State Farm Arena to clinch their first-round playoff series 4-2. OG Anunoby ignited the blowout with a flurry of baskets in the opening quarter, helping the Knicks race to a 40-15 lead. New York poured in 43 more points in the second period to take an 83-36 halftime advantage. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges fueled the balanced attack, while Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart contributed assists and scoring. The Knicks shot efficiently from the floor and from three-point range, and their defense held the Hawks to 89 points. Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 22 points, and Onyeka Okongwu and Nickeil Alexander-Walker also played well. The Knicks’ largest lead reached 55 points. Attendance was 17,685. New York, which finished the regular season 58-32, advanced to the second round. Atlanta ended its season at 48-40.