New York Knicks: Keys To Defeating the Atlanta Hawks
1. Defensive Rebounding
The Atlanta Hawks were one of the most underwhelming rebounding teams in the NBA when Al Horford and Paul Millsap roamed the interior. Atlanta still isn’t elite in that regard, but Dwight Howard is a one-man wrecking crew on the boards.
Millsap is no slouch himself, but it’s Howard who could potentially take over and dominate the interior if the New York Knicks aren’t careful.
Howard is currently No. 1 in the NBA with an average of 4.7 offensive rebounds per game. He’s pulling down 13.0 rebounds per game overall, but the number that the Knicks must be wary of is the league-leading 4.7.
New York has been one of the most productive rebounding teams in the NBA in 2016-17, but it’s done a poor job of keeping the opposition off the boards.
New York is currently allowing a league-worst 11.9 offensive rebounds per game. Even more concerning is the fact that New York is allowing the second-most second chance points of any team in the NBA behind just the 8-22 Brooklyn Nets.
Even an elite defensive showing would be offset by continuing to allow the opposition to create second chances.
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If the Knicks are going to defeat the Hawks in Atlanta, then they must limit the home team to one shot per possession.