Brad Rowland here, the host of the daily Locked On Hawks podcast, with your daily Locked On Hawks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hawks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Atlanta’s Defense Throttled The NBA’s Best Offense
Dec 11, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner/Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks are soaring high after a thrilling victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. This win propels them to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. Despite not shooting well, the Hawks showcased their resilience and defensive prowess, which has been a cornerstone of their recent success.
A Defensive Masterclass
The Hawks’ defense has been a revelation, transforming into a top-tier unit over the past few weeks. Early in the season, they faced challenges, with opponents shooting exceptionally well from beyond the arc and injuries leaving key holes. However, the tide has turned, and the Hawks’ defense is now performing at a strong level. This game against the Knicks was a testament to their defensive capabilities, holding the league’s most efficient offense to a mere 101 offensive rating.
Dyson Daniels was instrumental in this defensive effort, effectively neutralizing Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ offensive hub. Daniels’ performance was a national coming-out party, showcasing his potential as a first-team All-Defense player. His ability to contain Brunson was pivotal, as the Knicks struggled to find their rhythm against the Hawks’ relentless defense.
Offensive Struggles and Resilience
Offensively, the Hawks faced challenges, particularly in the first half. They missed their first eight shots and struggled to find their footing. However, they managed to stay within striking distance, thanks to their defensive efforts and ability to force turnovers. Trae Young, despite being targeted by the Knicks’ defense, adapted and found ways to contribute, particularly in the second half.
Jalen Johnson emerged as a key player, overcoming a slow start to deliver a standout performance. His contributions were crucial in the third quarter, where the Hawks outscored the Knicks 34-18, turning the game in their favor. Johnson’s ability to rebound and facilitate plays added a new dimension to the Hawks’ offense.
The Hawks’ victory was not just about individual performances but a collective team effort. They dominated the turnover battle, forced the Knicks into 15 giveaways, and excelled in transition opportunities. Their ability to win the rebounding battle and limit the Knicks’ shooting efficiency was a testament to their grit and determination.
This win is a significant milestone for the Hawks, who have now won seven of their last eight games. It highlights their potential to compete at the highest level, especially with their defense leading the charge. From here, it’s on to Las Vegas.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ journey, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
A common refrain about Spike Lee movies is that the city of New York feels like a living, breathing character. It has a presence in his films beyond that of a typical urban backdrop. It has dialogue; it impacts events.
Well, the Knicks crowd, amplified by the presence of Gotham villain Trae Young, felt three-dimensional in this NBA Cup quarterfinal, moaning, groaning, and cheering every time the ball ricocheted off a body part or players tumbled to the ground. It felt like it could change the events on the court, albeit with little control, like a player tilting a pinball machine. Even from my couch, I could feel the energy pulsing from the screen.
The atmosphere was electric; the quality of play was suspect. I’m not sure I’d let my loved ones watch, but for a specific breed of basketball fan (like the one who subscribes to this newsletter), it was gloriously grimy.
It was a miracle either of these teams hit triple-digits. The ball spent more time squirting out of rugby scrum-style dog piles than it did going through nets. The Knicks posted their lowest offensive rating of the season; the Hawks’ two best players, Jalen Johnson and Trae Young, combined for 43 points on 42 shots. Atlanta started the game 1-for-10 from deep, while New York had a stretch where they missed 12 straight triples.
In the end, however, it was Trae Young rolling phantom dice on the Knicks’ logo to celebrate going to Vegas.
The Hawks defense might be legit. Young is an easy target, but he also suckers teams into getting out of their offense to try and attack him, leaving them vulnerable to the swarm of kinetic, lengthy athletes that are standing by to help at a moment’s notice. Dyson Daniels chewed Jalen Brunson up (14 points on 15 shots), using a toothpick to get every last morsel.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Replay Trae Young led the Hawks to a decisive victory over the Knicks, propelling Atlanta into the NBA Cup semifinals. Young’s performance was a masterclass in leadership and skill.
Analysis In their bid for the NBA Cup, the Hawks are making waves by defeating top teams. Discover how strategic plays and key performances are driving their success.
Analysis The Hawks capitalized on Karl-Anthony Towns’ poor performance to eliminate the Knicks from the NBA Cup. Their strategy and execution were pivotal in securing the win. (CBS Sports)
Rumor What is the league doing to address referee gambling concerns, and how effective can safeguards be? (Front Office Sports)
Ticket Booth
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Hawks @ Spurs
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Timberwolves @ Hawks
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
A Kawhi Leonard Update & A Fantasy Basketball News Catchup
Nov 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on from the bench in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard’s Uncertain Return
Kawhi Leonard’s return remains a topic of speculation. Recent reports suggest that his comeback isn’t imminent, leaving fantasy managers in a bind. If you’re holding onto Leonard, patience is key, but be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait.
Jimmy Butler Trade Rumours
The rumour mill is buzzing with talk of a potential Jimmy Butler trade. While speculation is rife, it’s essential to remember that these rumours often don’t materialise. The complexities of NBA trades, including salary cap constraints and team dynamics, make it challenging to predict outcomes. Instead of getting caught up in the hype, focus on the players currently delivering consistent performances. If Butler does get traded, assess the situation then, but for now, it’s best to concentrate on tangible fantasy assets.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- The impact of Mitchell Robinson’s injury on the Knicks’ rotation - Evaluating Max Strus’s fantasy value upon his return - Donovan Clingan’s potential role with the team - The latest on Fred VanVleet’s shooting struggles and assist numbers - A look at the upcoming matchups and their fantasy implications
Stay ahead of the game by keeping these insights in mind as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of NBA fantasy basketball.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
The Hawks are Las Vegas bound after an impressive victory in New York The show breaks down the NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks, including Atlanta’s high-level defensive performance, dominance on the margins, Trae Young’s impressive third quarter, Jalen Johnson’s return, an excellent stretch from De’Andre Hunter, the next steps for the Hawks in the NBA Cup, and much more.
NBA Cup mailbag and Knicks preview Topics include a look ahead to Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks, how a lighter week on the schedule could impact the Hawks, what the first game between Atlanta and New York could foreshadow for the rematch, the injury situations on both sides, keys to victory, and much more.
Crossover NBA Cup quarterfinal preview with Locked On Knicks Brad Rowland is joined by Gavin Schall of Locked On Knicks for a crossover conversation to preview the upcoming NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
