As we gear up for the NBA Cup quarterfinals, the New York Knicks are set to face off against the Atlanta Hawks. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing their unique strengths and strategies. Let’s dive into what makes this game a must-watch.
Knicks’ Season So Far
The Knicks have had a peculiar season, marked by ups and downs. Best offense in basketball, but certainly a step down from the best teams in the league so far. Despite a rocky start, they’ve managed to find their footing, thanks in part to Mikal Bridges’ ongoing turnaround and Karl-Anthony Towns’ offensive transcendence and slowly improving defense.
Bridges, early-season struggles raised eyebrows, but he’s started to find his stride on both ends. He’s made 19 threes on 45% shooting from distance over the Knicks’ last five games while looking far more engaged defensively and starting to look like the point of attack menace we last saw when he was in Phoenix.
Towns, on the other hand, has been a force in the paint, improving his defensive impact and helping the Knicks stabilize their defense. Tom Thibodeau has gotten more aggressive pushing him to the level on defense and he’s been far less contact averse at the rim all while flashing consistently great hands poking away low passes or outright stripping his man.
Hawks’ Depth and Defensive Strategy
The Atlanta Hawks, meanwhile, are in a retooling phase, not quite rebuilding but certainly adjusting their roster and strategy. With a six-game winning streak under their belt, they’ve shown they can compete with the best, including victories over top teams like the Bucks and Lakers.
A significant part of their success has been their depth. The Hawks boast a bench that can overwhelm opponents, with players like Bogdan Bogdanović and De’Andre Hunter providing quality minutes. This depth allows them to maintain intensity throughout the game, a factor that could prove decisive against the Knicks.
Defensively, the Hawks have improved, with this season’s squad being their best in years. While Trae Young remains a focal point for opposing offense, insulating him with giant athletic defensive wings like Dyson Daniels has bolstered their ability to contest shots and control the paint. However, their league-worst three-point defense (by opposing threes made per game) remains a concern, and something the Knicks should exploit given their shooting capabilities.
Key Matchup Insights
The game will likely hinge on how well the Hawks can contain the league’s best pick and roll and how effectively the Hawks can utilize their depth.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns generate 1.23 points per possession in the PnR per Synergy, the best mark in basketball. Atlanta contained it well last time around with Daniels on Brunson expertly navigating screens to avoid giving up a switch.
The Hawks didn’t have Bogdan Bogdanovic or De’Andre Hunter last time and their offense could tilt the game against the Knicks up and down bench.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Knicks vs. Hawks matchup, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
- Analysis of the Knicks’ recent defensive improvements
- The impact of Karl-Anthony Towns’ rim protection
- Mikal Bridges’ resurgence and its effect on the team
- A look at the Hawks’ recent winning streak and key playe
