Knicks vs Hawks: Postgame Grades and Analysis

Oct 29, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford (15) reacts in front of New York Knicks center

(8) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Center: Robin Lopez

Overall Grade: B-

Minutes Played: 21

+/-: -13

Stat Line: 18 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 1 BLK, 8/11 FG, 2/2 FT

Offensively, Robin Lopez was the New York Knicks’ only reliable force. Unfortunately, he was also a minus-13 with five turnovers and just four rebounds in 21 minutes played.

Let’s try to focus on the positive.

Offensively, Lopez was excellent. He put up 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting, also grabbing two offensive rebounds and scoring with both his mid-range jump shot and touch down low.

On that end of the floor, it was a very intriguing evening from the 27-year-old.

Defensively, the Knicks allowed 52 points in the paint—many of which were against defenders other than Lopez. Nevertheless, Al Horford’s ability to get everything he wanted offensively reflects poorly on Lopez.

It’s only been two games, but one would like to see Lopez receive significantly more minutes the rest of the way.

Next: Center