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New York Knicks Preview: Keys To Defeating The Atlanta Hawks

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) chase down a loose ball in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Knicks won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) chase down a loose ball in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Knicks won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guards Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) and Kyle Korver (26) react at the end of the game against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Bulls 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guards Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) and Kyle Korver (26) react at the end of the game against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Bulls 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Defend The 3-Point Shot

The Washington Wizards entered the clash against the New York Knicks as one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA. Washington proceeded to shoot 15-of-25 from beyond the arc and post 119 points.

That continued what’s been a horrendous season for the Knicks as it pertains to closing out on shooters with any form of a sense of urgency.

The Knicks enter the clash with the Atlanta Hawks at No. 27 in the NBA in opponent 3-point field goal percentage. New York is also allowing more 3-point field goals per game than all but five other teams in 2016-17.

Allowing 9.8 3-point field goals made per game on 37.0 percent shooting is discouraging enough, but it’s even more concerning that Atlanta is next on the schedule.

Atlanta is currently averaging 9.0 3-point field goals made per game—and it hasn’t even found its rhythm. Kyle Korver is an all-time shooter, Kent Bazemore and Paul Millsap are more than capable, and the likes of Tim Hardaway Jr., Mike Muscala, and Dennis Schröder are consistent threats.

The Knicks can’t afford to be lazy with their closeouts against a Hawks team that moves the ball well and spaces the floor.

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