Knicks Preview: 5 Keys to Defeating Atlanta Hawks

Oct 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates with New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Knicks won 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

2. Get Carmelo Anthony Going

The most impressive aspect of the New York Knicks’ season-opening 122-99 decimation of the Milwaukee Bucks was that it was on the road. The second surprise was how poorly the star played.

New York won by 23 points against a postseason-caliber team with Carmelo Anthony scoring just 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting.

Anthony played a big role in New York’s success, serving as a decoy and a facilitator. He dished out five assists and routinely looked to find the open man.

Against the Atlanta Hawks, however, the Knicks will need Anthony to be more than a decoy; they need him to take over as a scorer.

Anthony, the 2013 scoring champion, can have nights like he did when the Knicks’ supporting cast performs as well as it did. More nights than not, however, New York needs him to provide an efficient 25-plus points.

The matchup with the Hawks promises to be one of those instances.

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