ATLANTA — OG Anunoby entered this postseason as one of the league’s most invaluable supporting players. See Also New York Knicks Don’t look now: Knicks playing like best team in Eastern Conference He left the first round with the look of a leading man.

OG Anunoby had a showcase for the ages as the Knicks sent the Hawks into the offseason with authority.

OG Anunoby scored 26 of his 29 points in the first half to lead visiting New York to a historic 140-89 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday as the Knicks won their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series 4-2.

The New York Knicks got an OG Anunoby injury update ahead of the playoffs. Is there a real reason for relief now?

Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu defends against Knicks forward OG Anunoby in the third quarter during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. Credit: J.

After Game 1, OG Anunoby said he had to get better in “everything.” He wasn’t specific. See Also New York Knicks Heroes, zeros from Knicks’ Game 5 win over Hawks: CJ McCollum shut down again The standout wing has let his play do the talking.

Anunoby is often absent from conversations about keys to New York's success, but make no mistake about his importance.