The Atlanta Hawks took on the New York Knicks for the third time this season, in a rematch between the former first-round opponents. Atlanta looked like it was heading toward a blowout loss, but managed to claw back within three during the final quarter of play, after trailing by double digits for the majority of the game. Ultimately, the Hawks ended up losing to the Knicks, 108-117, which marked the team’s fifth straight loss and extended the team’s home-losing streak to ten.
John Collins found himself in foul trouble early, picking up his third personal foul early on in the second quarter, which sidelined him for the final nine minutes of the first half. Once Collins was out of commission, the Knicks began their onslaught. Julius Randle converted a variety of tough shots, which was indicative of how the game played out for New York. As a team, the Knicks shot 65% from inside the three-point line and a scorching, 50% from deep, during the first half. The Hawks headed to the locker room after the second quarter down by 14 (65-51).
The focus of the night should probably be on Onyeka Okongwu, who provided a level of intensity and athleticism that this team is lacking. Outside of Collins, there is a noticeable lack of bounce and explosion from the roster, which is instead full of rangy wings that provide more shooting than defense. Okongwu helped get Atlanta back into the game during the second half with some crucial defensive stands — namely a couple late-game blocks, including one on Randle.
With around six minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Hawks cut the lead to two, after a Lou Williams three-pointer, that made the score 93-91. Unfortunately, this was as close as it got — Evan Fournier dropped a quick-five points and New York never looked back.
Hopefully, Head Coach Nate McMillan continues to lean on the second unit, which is providing some defensive verve and energy to one of the league’s worst defenses (25th overall). Personally, I felt McMillan should have kept Okongwu to close the game as he was the one spearheading the comeback.
The cameraman cut away to Cam Reddish on the Knicks bench and Kevin Knox on the Atlanta bench whenever they had the opportunity, milking what was a polarizing trade for both fanbases. This shtick got a little old after the first three times, but I’ll be the first to admit it was surreal seeing Reddish celebrating Knick buckets.
Atlanta now turns its attention to the defending-champion Milwaukee Bucks, for the annual MLK Day game on Monday. Tip-off for that game is 6:00pm eastern.
