The Atlanta Hawks fell to the New York Knicks on Monday afternoon. Let’s take a look at Soaring Down South’s grades from the game.
An early afternoon start for an NBA game is out of the ordinary. Of course, this early start was for good reason. The game was part of the NBA’s slate of afternoon games to celebrate Martin Luther King Day. It would have made more sense for the game to be played in Atlanta, but I’m not a scheduler.
Both teams would greet this unusual start time by featuring unusual starting fives. That wasn’t the plan, just a symptom of the quick turnaround in Atlanta’s case. The Atlanta Hawks would start their small-ball lineup comprised of Dennis Schroder, Kent Bazemore, Tim Hardaway Jr., Thabo Sefolosha, and Paul Millsap. Starting center Dwight Howard missed the game due to rest.
The New York Knicks played an even stranger lineup. Usual starters Derrick Rose, Carmelo Anthony, and Joakim Noah remained in the lineup, while Ron Baker and Mindaugas Kuzminskas replaced the injured Lance Thomas and Kristaps Porzingis. Let’s get funky!
The Knicks took advantage of Howard’s absence early in the game by controlling the glass. In the first half, New York out-rebounded Atlanta 27 to 15. Those issues led to Mike Budenholzer playing Kris Humphries 10 minutes in the first half and 24 minutes overall. Despite that disparity, the Knicks took only a slim 54-53 lead into half-time.
Atlanta stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring the Knicks 35-29. The Hawks would take a 88-83 lead into the game’s final quarter. Like their most recent meeting, this game would come down to the wire.
With one minute remaining the score was tied 105-105. Derrick Rose knocked down a floater with 43 seconds left to give New York a 107-105 lead. Dennis Schroder answered on the other end, knocking down a huge three-pointer to give the Hawks a 108-107 lead. You could cut the tension with a butter knife.
The Knicks had three chances to score on the final possession. Derrick Rose’s layup was blocked by Paul Millsap. Carmelo Anthony rebounded the miss, but was unable to convert on his short jumper. Finally, Joakim Noah’s tip-in attempt fell short. The Hawks would escape with 108-107 win.
Let’s take a journey down post-game grades lane.