Full Breakdown
Knicks’ Historic 13-Game Playoff Winning Streak
6/7/2026, 10:22:21 PM
Background & Context
On April 23, the Knicks fell 101-100 to the Atlanta Hawks, trailing the series 2-1 and prompting doubts about coach Mike Brown’s future. The mood in New York was abysmal. In Atlanta, Brown said, “Stuff’s going to happen… you take one game at a time.”
Key Figure: Coach Mike Brown
Mike Brown, in his first season as Knicks head coach, previously served as a Golden State Warriors assistant and acted as head coach for 12 playoff games in 2017, posting a 12-0 record. Officially his NBA playoff record is 64-42; counting the Warriors games would raise his winning percentage to .644, third-best among coaches with 100+ playoff games.
Core Event – 13 Consecutive Playoff Wins
After the Hawks loss, New York won 13 straight games, sweeping Philadelphia, beating Cleveland, and taking a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. The run matches the longest single-season postseason streak since the Warriors’ 15-game run in 2017.
Data & Statistics
- Point differential: +273 over 13 games (Warriors’ 2017 margin was +225).
- Eleven wins by double figures; two wins by six and one point.
- Blowout margins: 29, 30, 37, 39, 51 points.
- Four games featured leads of 40+ points, including a 61-point lead against Atlanta.
- Road record: 8-0, average margin 21.5 points; only longer Knicks road streak was the 1969-70 team’s 12 games.
Why It Matters
The streak places the Knicks among the few teams to dominate a postseason with large margins. Including Brown’s interim Warriors games would give him a .644 playoff winning percentage, third-best all-time among coaches with 100+ playoff games. The achievement revives memories of the 1969-70 championship team and fuels speculation of a first NBA title since that team’s triumph.
Official Statements & Responses
Brown emphasized a step-by-step approach and highlighted that the team's talent, rather than coaching, drives success. The organization has not issued additional official public commentary beyond Brown’s remarks.
Criticism & Opposition
Media speculation after the Hawks loss questioned Brown’s job security, suggesting the franchise might reconsider his position if the streak ended.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Stuff’s going to happen,” — Mike Brown, Knicks head coach
- “I even think Oklahoma City was down 1-2 last year and they ended up winning it.” — Mike Brown, Knicks head coach
- “You’ve got to have good players,” — Mike Brown, Knicks head coach
- “I’m not that smart.” — Mike Brown, Knicks head coach
What’s Next
The Knicks lead the NBA Finals 2-0 over the Spurs, aiming to close the series in four games and capture the franchise’s first NBA title since the 1969-70 championship team.
