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New York Knicks: Keys To Defeating the Atlanta Hawks

By Maxwell Ogden

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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Dec 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) guards Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Hawks won 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) guards Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Hawks won 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Contain Dennis Schröder

If the New York Knicks are to be wary of any one player going off, it’s Atlanta Hawks point guard Dennis Schröder. Schröder finished with just one point on 0-of-8 shooting the last time the Hawks and Knicks met, and he’s all but guaranteed to be out for redemption.

After watching Isaiah Thomas score at will against the Knicks on Christmas Day, the defense will need to prevent Schröder from doing the same.

Derrick Rose has been surprisingly solid on defense this season, but the Knicks are susceptible to big fourth quarter performances by opposing point guards. Schröder may not be a household name, but he’s more than capable of taking over against the Knicks.

Thus far in 2016-17, the 23-year-old floor general is averaging 17.3 points, 6.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 3-point field goals made on a slash line of .463/.357/.828.

Schroder is consistently productive and unpredictably dynamic. His ability to attack off the bounce makes him a massive threat to the Knicks’ defense, and his 3-point range will hold a lackadaisical defensive team accountable.

Schroder may have shot 0-of-8 the first time around, but the Knicks won’t get that lucky twice. The defense must be up to task.

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