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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; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) dunks over Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) and Brooklyn Nets power forward Trevor Booker (35) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) dunks over Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) and Brooklyn Nets power forward Trevor Booker (35) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Rebounding Battle

In the past, teams could overwhelm the Atlanta Hawks by aggressively attacking the boards and exploiting one of the team’s only true weaknesses. Al Horford and Paul Millsap were an outstanding tandem, but struggled to win the battle on the boards.

The Hawks have eliminated that weakness by signing Dwight Howard—one of the most dominant rebounding forces in the NBA.

Howard led the NBA in rebounding in 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12, and 2012-13. Howard was also No. 2 in rebounding in 2010-11, No. 4 in 2013-14, and No. 3 in 2015-16, and would’ve been No. 7 had he played enough games in 2014-15.

Through 11 games in 2016-17, Howard is averaging 14.4 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.5 offensive boards, 1.4 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.5 steals.

With Howard and Millsap as the interior tandem, the Hawks finally have the personnel to dominate the boards. That much has been proven by Atlanta ranking No. 8 in rebounds per game and No. 5 in rebounding differential.

Joakim Noah is an outstanding rebounder unto himself, but this will be a team effort if the Knicks hope to overcome the Hawks.

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