Hawks Look to Keep Rolling Against the Knicks in New York

The Atlanta Hawks are on a hot streak, and they’re heading to New York on Monday with momentum on their side. With three straight wins and a solid stretch of four victories in their last five games, the Hawks are ready to take on the Knicks and stay undefeated against them this season.

Hawks Are Flying High

1. Winning Ways:
   • Atlanta’s confidence is sky-high after a gritty 119-115 overtime win against the Boston Celtics on Saturday. They’re 2-0 against the Knicks this season and have won their last three matchups, giving them the upper hand heading into this game.
2. Jalen Johnson is Back:
   • After missing five games with a shoulder injury, Johnson returned and made an immediate impact with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists in 38 minutes. The guy’s been a double-double machine this season, averaging 19.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Coach Quin Snyder couldn’t be happier with his all-around contributions.
3. Trae Young Leading the Charge:
   • Fresh off a rib injury, Trae Young dropped 28 points and 11 assists against Boston. When Trae’s running the offense, good things happen for Atlanta.
4. Team Chemistry is Clicking:
   • De’Andre Hunter also returned from injury and is fitting right back in. Coach Snyder highlighted how the team’s ball movement and unselfishness, like Trae’s quick swing passes, are becoming a hallmark of their play.
5. Defensive Woes:
   • The Hawks have a big weakness: defending the 3-point line. They’re dead last in the league, giving up 15.2 made 3s per game. It’s something they’ll need to tighten up if they want to keep their streak alive.

Knicks Are in a Slump

1. Tough Times:
   • The Knicks have lost six of their last nine games, including a frustrating 116-99 defeat to the Timberwolves. Their defense struggled mightily, giving up 22 made 3-pointers on 55% shooting.
2. Missing Towns’ Star Power:
   • Karl-Anthony Towns has been out with a sprained thumb, and it’s a big blow. He’s been a beast against Atlanta this season, averaging 26.5 points and 13.9 rebounds in two matchups. The Knicks miss his inside presence and scoring punch.
3. Defensive Adjustments Needed:
   • Coach Tom Thibodeau is stressing the need for better perimeter defense. His team has to do a better job of contesting 3s and limiting open looks if they want to compete.
4. A Chance to Turn It Around:
   • Despite their struggles, the Knicks have the talent to bounce back. They’ll need to rely on players stepping up in Towns’ absence to keep things close against Atlanta.

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What to Watch For

• Offensive Firepower: Trae Young and Jalen Johnson are leading the charge for the Hawks. The Knicks need to figure out a way to slow them down.
• 3-Point Defense: Both teams are near the bottom of the league in guarding the 3. This game could be decided by who defends the perimeter better.
• Head-to-Head Edge: Atlanta has won the last three meetings against New York, giving them a mental edge heading into the game.

The Bottom Line

The Hawks are coming in hot, while the Knicks are trying to steady the ship. With Trae Young firing on all cylinders and Jalen Johnson back in action, Atlanta looks like the team to beat. For New York, it’s all about stepping up defensively and finding a way to replace Towns’ production. This one’s shaping up to be an exciting battle, so buckle up!