The Knicks enter this playoff series as the favorites, but don’t let that fool you. This is far from a comfortable position. Every time these two teams met during the regular season, it came down to some close calls.
New York barely scraped through, winning by the skin of their teeth each time. Knicks fans have every reason to be nervous heading into this series.
Brunson owns the clutch, but must survive the Hawksâ pressure
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Jalen Brunson has been spectacular throughout the season, averaging 26 points and 6.8 assists. However, in a recent victory over the Hawks, he scored 30 points and assisted 13 times.
It is very likely that the Hawks will try to overwhelm Brunson by sending Dyson Daniels and Nickeil AlexanderâWalker, who have just combined for 47 points and outstanding perimeter defense in the last game, to him one after the other.
The concern for the Knicks’ title is turnovers: New York threw the ball away 15 times in that game, almost giving Atlanta additional possessions even though they were shooting 50 percent from the field.
Still, Brunsonâs confidence in the clutch and the Knicksâ capability to run halfâcourt plays might give New York the final moments advantage in most ââââââââââââââââgames.
Hawksâ firepower exposes Knicksâ transition and threeâpoint defense
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Atlanta’sââââââââââââââââ offense has been one of the best in the Eastern Conference this season, not only during the moments. The Hawks are one of the top teams in the league in fast break points.
Pushing the pace relentlessly, they keep punishing their opponents on the break night after night. They also pass their opponents at a very high level – in fact, they lead the whole NBA in assists per game – hence their offense does not solely depend on one star to save them. On the other hand, the Knicks have had difficulties defending the three-point line throughout the season. Ranking a bit low in that category, they have experienced that problem repeatedly in both their wins and losses.
Their defensive system focuses on protecting the paint first, and as a result, shooters are regularly left open on the perimeter — and Atlanta has the personnel to perfectly exploit that situation.
Jalen Johnson has become a multi-function force this season, able to score, assist and make plays for himself by creating chaos, whereas Dyson Daniels gives off defensive intensity and has the capability to set the tempo. This is not only about one game it is a match-up problem that has been going on all season the Hawks have the composition of the team to take full advantage of ââââââââââââââââthat.
Knicks advance in six, but health makes it feel like seven
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I see this series going the full distance to six games, with Atlanta grabbing two upset wins. New Yorkâs depth and home-court advantage close it out, but expect every game to be decided in the final minutes.
If major injuries strike, this easily goes to 7. Anunobyâs status remains the biggest worry. If heâs limited or a star like Brunson or Towns goes down, Atlantaâs perimeter attack could force a decisive Game 7. Otherwise, Brown’s defensive schemes and Brunsonâs clutch scoring get the Knicks through.
Watch for Brunson and Towns to carry New York, while Alexander-Walkerâs scoring explosions and Danielsâ on-ball pressure keep Hawks fans dreaming of the upset right until the final buzzer. This will be gritty, physical basketball from start to finish.
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