Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels fined following Game 6 altercation
Mitchell Robinson and Dyson Daniels fined following Game 6 altercation originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Tensions boiled over during a lopsided playoff matchup as New York Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson and Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels were fined following an on-court altercation in Game 6 of their first-round series.
The league announced that Robinson has been fined $50,000, while Daniels received a $25,000 fine. The penalties were handed down by James Jones, the NBA’s Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, in response to the incident that occurred during the Knicks’ dominant 140-89 victory on April 30 at State Farm Arena.
The altercation took place with 4:39 remaining in the second quarter. As a free throw was being attempted, Robinson and Daniels became entangled while jockeying for position along the lane. What initially appeared to be routine physical play quickly escalated into something more heated. Both players exchanged contact, and officials had to step in as the situation intensified.
Even after being separated, Robinson continued to pursue Daniels in an aggressive manner, which contributed to the severity of the penalties issued. The referees assessed both players technical fouls and ultimately ejected them from the game, bringing an abrupt end to their nights.
Playoff intensity boils over as ejections take place
While the game itself was never in doubt— New York had already built a commanding lead—the incident served as a reminder of the intensity and emotions that often accompany playoff basketball. Physicality tends to increase in the postseason, but the league continues to emphasize maintaining control and sportsmanship, particularly in high-stakes environments.
For the Knicks, the win secured their advancement to the next round, but Robinson’s absence following the ejection briefly disrupted their interior presence. Meanwhile, Daniels’ ejection added to a frustrating night for the Hawks , who struggled to keep pace throughout the game.
The fines reflect the NBA’s effort to deter similar incidents moving forward, especially as the playoffs continue to raise the stakes. Both players will now look to move past the altercation and refocus on their respective roles, with New York continuing its postseason run and Atlanta turning its attention to the offseason.
