Do not undermine the Atlanta Hawks.
Despite almost falling into the Play-In, Atlanta was able to instead clinch an automatic ticket to the playoffs by winning 19 of their last 24 games. They are arguably the hottest team in the NBA.
One of those five losses, however, came at the hands of the New York Knicks. They narrowly defeated the Hawks just two weeks ago in Atlanta, winning 108-105.
However, the playoffs are a whole different story. How can New York ensure they replicate that performance?
Play Through Towns and Brunson
The Knicks simply have the best duo in this series, and they will have to lean on it in the playoffs.
In his last five games against the Hawks, Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 28.8 points per game and 11.4 rebounds per game. Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu has struggled to contain KAT. If the Hawks chose to put Jalen Johnson (one of Atlanta’s best defenders) on Towns, this would leave OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges matched up with Okongwu, who is too slow to defend forwards and contest their shots.
Atlanta has no matchup for Towns, and he should dominate this series if given the ball.
There’s a misconception in the public and media that Dyson Daniels is going to “lock up” Jalen Brunson. Daniels is a good defender, and he can slow down Brunson to an extent, but history suggests Brunson has the upper hand in this matchup.
In his last five games against Daniels, Brunson is averaging 31.6 points per game on 52% shooting. In those games, New York consistently tried to set screens to get Daniels to switch off Brunson, but Daniels was able to fight over them exceptionally well. Either way, this method has not produced very strong results for the Hawks.
The Knicks have the biggest advantage in this series. They just have to utilize their stars.
Defending Alexander-Walker and the Three-Point Line
Another key to the Knicks success this season will be guarding Nickel Alexander-Walker.
NAW, as fans call him, has taken a significant leap in offensive production this season. Many mention him as a serious candidate to win the Most Improved Player, and he has solidified himself as a real scoring threat. In the last game against the Knicks, he erupted for 36 points, knocking down seven threes on 63% shooting. Overall, he is averaging 28 points per game against New York this season.
New York will have to guard NAW like how teams defend Stephen Curry.
Hawks put him in constant motion on offense, which means Anunoby or Bridges will have to be quick to close out his jump shots. Staying attached to NAW and CJ McCollum‘s hips — particularly if they know a screen is coming — will be crucial New York. Atlanta will screen with their wings to free up their sharpshooters. The Knicks must maintain their physicality while fighting through those screens.
Final Notes
This will not be an easy series by any means. Atlanta has played extremely well as of late, and their starting lineup is full of matchup nightmares.
However, New York has the more talented roster and plenty of postseason experience. If New York can rely on their stars and slow down Atlanta’s best shotmakers, this becomes an easier series.
And the Knicks will finally have a chance to exorcise their demons from the 2021 playoffs.
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