Gavin Schall here, the host of the daily Locked On Knicks podcast, with your daily Locked On Knicks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Knicks 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.
How To Attack The Hawks
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
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) waves to the crowd after making a three point shot in against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game five in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. | Wendell Cruz/Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
A strange development of last night’s first round of quarter finals matchups is that I wasn’t anticipating having my heart break for the Orlando Magic. What an effort by a team that has been told over and over again that they are both down and out, and still refuses to acknowledge the veracity of either point.
Orlando’s game against Milwaukee felt contentious, engaged, and energetic, a game with stakes. The NBA Cup has been drawing out competition across the board but I have to give the Magic credit for showing up on the stage the tournament set. That was all them, and all heart.
But enough gushing (for now), onto tonight’s final two games.
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
There are a handful of athletes in the NBA, anywhere really, comfortable with playing the villain. Trae Young is one of them. Young has leaned into every opportunity to add fuel to the fire of Knicks’ fans disdain for the showy shooter, a grudge going strong since the 2021 playoffs.
It’ll be tougher for Young to take a bow against this Knicks team.
Though they were slower to get on the same page, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have synced up as maybe the best and most overpowering offensive duo in the league. The Knicks are first overall in points scored per 100 possessions since the start of this season, and second overall in their effective field goal percentage. In their efficiency differential — points per 100 possessions minus points allowed — they trail only the heavy hitters of the season: OKC, Boston, Cleveland and Memphis. Things are clicking in New York.
The Hawks have had a string of injuries, notably Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic/ De’Andre Hunter and Young himself are both listed as probable for the game in New York. The silver lining, beyond whatever happens inside Young’s brain when he gets within the municipality limits for New York City, is that the Hawks have a 5-1 record against the Cavs, Celtics, Knicks and Bucks this season — this team loves to play up. They’ve also taken a defensive jump, are 6th in the league for offensive rebounds thanks to Johnson, rookie Zaccharie Risacher has been a boon, and Atlanta doesn’t mind playing the pest.
Whether this will be the kind of number found on Broadway or off, it’ll be a show.
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
What the Rockets aren’t generous about is their defence — the team is one of the most smothering defenders in the league. What they are generous about have been their fines, with head coach Ime Udoa and guard Fred VanVleet ponying up (you’ll be happy to know all fines go to charity). Houston will need all of its efforts in the former to beat the Warriors tonight.
Where the Rockets can’t do much defensively has been way out in the offensive no man’s land of the floor, the place where Steph Curry thrives. The Warriors have a 15 game winning streak going against Houston, largely because of Curry, in general, and lately because of where he capitalizes his efforts against a young team he can easily disorganize with his disruptive shooting.
Houston’s opportunities come in second chance points when they blitz the glass, in pressuring turnovers, and in playing very close basketball. The Rockets are one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA and yet, they’ve made it work, digging in to make every possession matter. The Warriors are in a slump, but the duo of Curry and Draymond Green can make light work of any team when they’re on the floor, Jonathan Kuminga continues to climb, and head coach Steve Kerr’s said that Andrew Wiggins should see minutes tonight.
Udoka called the Rockets last game against the Warriors, when they were thoroughly pummelled, one of the team’s “softest games” since his arrival, so there’s plenty of incentive for Houston to take the win tonight. Those are also the kinds of games, and hopes, that Steph Curry loves to snuff out like a candle.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Celebrate Here’s why Jared McCain is using his platform to highlight women’s sports. (Inquirer)
Analysis Trae Young has beef with the Knicks — this is why. (Sporting News)
Analysis Precious Achiuwa’s impact has been significant since his return, contributing defensively and offensively to enhance the Knicks’ overall performance.
Analysis The conclusion of the Kiki Vandeweghe interview provides deep insights into his career and thoughts on modern basketball dynamics.
Stat Karl-Anthony Towns continues to dominate the glass, showcasing his rebounding prowess with impressive double-digit numbers. (New York Post)
Preview The Hawks will take on the Knicks in New York at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Takeaways From Tuesday’s NBA Cup Games
Dec 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Winners, Losers, and Fantasy Takeaways
Two of the four NBA Cup quarterfinal games are in the books, and it’s time to dissect the outcomes and what it means for fantasy managers.
One of the most pressing issues is the status of Immanuel Quickley. Despite the frustration surrounding his limited playtime due to injury, I firmly believe in his potential as a top 50 player this season. However, if you’re struggling with multiple injuries on your roster, it might be time to reconsider holding onto him. Evaluate your roster carefully and weigh Quickley’s potential against the immediate needs of your team.
Scottie Barnes’ situation is equally concerning. Although initial X-rays were negative, the possibility of a Lisfranc injury looms large. If confirmed, this could sideline Barnes for a significant portion of the season. Fantasy managers should brace for his absence and explore alternative options to fill the void.
Waiver Wire Trends and Player Evaluations
The waiver wire has been buzzing with activity, and several players have emerged as hot commodities. Kelly Olynyk’s rise in popularity is likely a response to Barnes’ injury, but his role remains uncertain. While Olynyk is a solid fantasy option, his long-term value is questionable given his defensive limitations and the presence of younger, more versatile players.
Cole Anthony’s recent performance has sparked debate among fantasy managers. Despite a lackluster shooting night, the decision to add him was sound, given the Magic’s need for shot generation. It’s crucial to focus on the process rather than the immediate results when evaluating players like Anthony. His role may fluctuate, but the potential for future contributions remains.
Click the button below to get a full breakdown on who fantasy managers should keep an eye on after last night’s games.
BBQ Pelican(s): Jalen Brunson And The New York Knicks TORCH New Orleans JALEN BRUNSON STAND UP!!!! The Knicks captain had his best game of the season on a night where the rest of the team struggled and carried them to a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Join hosts Gavin Schall and Alex Wolfe for a recap of Brunson’s electric 3rd quarter, the Knicks bench continuing to struggle on offense, Josh Hart’s big comeback and so much more! Don’t miss this engaging analysis of the Knicks’ evolving strategy and their path to success. Tune in for expert insights and in-depth discussions on the team’s journey.
Karl-Anthony Towns Decimates the Timberwolves in His Return To Minnesota As the Knicks Cruise To a W
Alex and Gavin break down the first matchup between the Knicks and Timberwolves in the Karl-Anthony Towns era, as KAT dominated his former team in his old arena. Plus, Mikal Bridges had his best all-around game as a Knick, the defense played as well as it has all season, Julius Randle was more than a little grumpy at the Knicks and his former teammates, and much more on today’s show!
Can Karl-Anthony Towns And The Knicks Knock Off Some Old Friends? With Locked On Wolves Ben Beecken
he New York Knicks are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a highly anticipated matchup, with Karl-Anthony Towns’ transition to the Knicks taking center stage.
The boys are joined by Locked On Wolves Host Ben Beecken, to explore Julius Randle not yet being embraced in Minnesota, and Donte DiVincenzo’s ice-cold start before diving into the most surprising parts of Karl-Anthony Towns’ success with the Knicks.
