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New York Knicks: Three players to watch against Hawks

By Rob Wolkenbrod

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 15: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks smiles during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 15, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 15: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks smiles during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 15, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks will face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, Dec. 17. A look at the three players to watch in this game.

On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the New York Knicks will return home after a long road trip out west. With a 2-2 record, it was arguably a best-case scenario for interim coach Mike Miller, who accomplished the team’s first winning streak of the season. It took over one-fourth of this campaign to happen, but they struck it against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings.

Now, the Knicks will face the Atlanta Hawks, another bottom-of-the-standings team. Who are the players to watch in this matchup?

Cam Reddish

Much like his season at Duke, Cam Reddish has struggled mightily shooting the basketball, making a paltry 32.4 percent of his attempts and just 26.5 percent of his 3-pointers. His 2-point shooting percentage, at 37.3, is slightly better, but his consistent willingness to stretch the floor has not helped.

However, Reddish’s past six games have shown some improvement, with 12.3 points, 41.3 percent shooting, and 37.5 percent on 3-pointers. He even scored 25 points in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

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Perhaps the Knicks see this refreshed version of Reddish. If he’s actually making progress from a bad early-season slump, this could be someone to watch Tuesday night.

Jabari Parker

Jabari Parker remains a poor defender, but he does enough scoring work to be a notable figure for Atlanta.

John Collins‘ suspension forced Parker into major minutes, including starting 22 of the first 27 games. His 16.5 points on 49.8 percent shooting have aided the efforts of others on the roster, but 26.5 percent on 3-pointers haven’t helped the cause.

The veteran forward is not a significant threat against the Knicks, but he’s still someone for Julius Randle or Marcus Morris to watch for over the next 48 minutes.

Trae Young

It’s the no-brainer option, but Trae Young is always someone to keep an eye on when facing the Atlanta Hawks.

Young’s numbers have soared in his sophomore season, featuring over five more shots attempted per game. He is one of the NBA’s top scorers and has emerged as a top point guard in short time.

In four games against the Knicks last season, Young did not top 16 points or fall below 14. He compiled 34 assists, though, offering his team ball movement along the way. Still, New York won three of these games.

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The 2019-20 situation is different, given Young’s ascension into All-Star form. He could torch the New York Knicks for at least 30 points, something done in three of his past seven games, so Frank Ntilikina and Elfrid Payton have a task ahead to contain this top-flight point guard.

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