New York Knicks: Keys To Defeating the Atlanta Hawks

Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots for three over Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots for three over Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots for three over Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots for three over Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks will begin a three-game road trip on Wednesday, December 28. What must New York do to defeat the Hawks in Atlanta?


For the second time this season, the New York Knicks will enter a game against the Atlanta Hawks in dire need of a victory. In that same spirit, this will be the second time this season that New York will enter a game against the Hawks coming off of a loss.

The question is: will history repeat itself with a Knicks victory or will New York fall short and suffer yet another tough loss?

The Knicks enter the clash with the Hawks at 16-14 overall, 11-5 at home, and 5-9 on the road. Atlanta isn’t too far behind at 15-16 overall, 7-7 at home, and 8-9 on the road, including a November 20 loss at Madison Square Garden.

Considering New York is 13-4 against teams below .500, this is a game that it’s expected to win—on the road or otherwise.

Unfortunately, the Knicks enter the outing in Atlanta having lost four of their past six games. They’ve improved considerably on the road since their dreadful 1-5 start, but consistency has been elusive for these talented Knicks.

In order to bounce back from a Christmas Day loss to the Boston Celtics and improve to 17-14, the Knicks must execute in the following five areas.