Atlanta Hawks: Grades From Thrilling Win Over New York Knicks

A+. After back-to-back difficult games, Dennis Schroder broke out of his mini-slump in a big way. Schroder was the best player on the court not named Carmelo Anthony. Schroder finished with 28 points, three assists, and three rebounds on 13-for-16 shooting. He only made one three-pointer, but it proved to be important. Schroder’s three with under 24 seconds remaining was the difference in the game, securing a 108-107 win for the Hawks. Madison Square Garden is a place where stars like to shine their brightest. Schroder played like a star on Monday.. PG. Atlanta Hawks. DENNIS SCHRODER

A. Dwight Howard’s absence was a positive for Tim Hardaway Jr. Rather than starting Kris Humphries at center, Mike Budenholzer elected to go small, slotting Hardaway into the starting five. THJ played well against his former team. In 35 minutes, he scored 20 points on 9-for-16 shooting. He shot just 2-for-7 from outside, but showcased a deadly pull-up jumper and aggressively drove to the rim. He also grabbed three rebounds and dished out four assists. There’s nothing like a good revenge game.. SG. Atlanta Hawks. TIM HARDAWAY JR.

B. He shot just 5-for-13 from the field, but it was another positive performance from Kent Bazemore. He knocked down two three-pointers, ending his afternoon with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists. He was also perfect from the free-throw line, finishing 4-for-4. Bazemore was one of a collection of Hawks tasked with guarding Carmelo Anthony. Anthony’s strength proved challenging for Bazemore, but he didn’t back down from the challenge.. SG. Atlanta Hawks. KENT BAZEMORE

THABO SEFOLOSHA. C. Foul trouble marred Thabo Sefolosha’s performance. He accumulated four fouls in just 22 minutes played. He ended the game with three points, four rebounds, two steals, and one assist. Guarding Carmelo Anthony is a tall order, Sefolosha shared those duties with Paul Millsap and Kent Bazemore.. SF. Atlanta Hawks

A. Versatility should be appreciated more. Being able to do several things very well is not easy. Paul Millsap is a good at many things, but you know that. He can score. He can pass. He can rebound. He can play elite defense. He did all of those things against the Knicks, as he often does. Millsap, playing center on many occasions, finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals, and three blocks. That’s how you stuff a stat sheet.. PF. Atlanta Hawks. PAUL MILLSAP