Knicks Preview: 5 Keys to Defeating Atlanta Hawks

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Oct 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) reacts to a three-point basket in the third quarter of their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 100-86. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

1. Defend the 3-Point Line

If there’s one thing the Milwaukee Bucks struggle to do, it’s convert 3-point field goals. That was a blessing for the New York Knicks, as they failed to defend the 3-point line in an adequate manner during the season opener.

Milwaukee missed an array of open jump shots; the Atlanta Hawks will not.

The Hawks are led by all-time sharpshooter Kyle Korver, which is reason enough to fear their attack. Korver made 221 3-point field goals in 2014-15, which is only half of his appeal as a marksman.

Not only was he No. 3 in the NBA in 3-point field goals made, but he shot an absolutely absurd 49.2 percent from beyond the arc.

The roster is rounded out by a number of other capable shooters, including big-minute contributors Tim Hardaway Jr., Paul Millsap and Dennis Schroder. There isn’t another true sharpshooter, but the likes of Kent Bazemore, Mike Scott, Thabo Sefolosha and Jeff Teague are also threats.

Atlanta was No. 2 in 3-point field goal percentage and No. 5 in 3-point field goals made in 2014-15. New York, meanwhile, was No. 30 in opponent 3-point field goal percentage.

That makes defending the 3-point line the key to a New York victory.

Next: Who shined and who struggled for the Knicks against the Milwaukee Bucks?

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