Atlanta Hawks Game Preview: Fourth Matchup vs. New York Knicks
A game preview of the Atlanta Hawks squaring off against the New York Knicks for the fourth time this season.
Entering tonight’s game the New York Knicks find themselves leading the season series against the Atlanta Hawks 2-1. However, the last time the two teams faced off in December the Hawks won on the road in New York 114-107.
Both franchises find themselves in similar positions as far as low ranking in the Eastern Conference and rebuilding for the future. In the last matchup, Kent Bazemore came through with a solid performance as he finished the game with 22 points and 6 rebounds.
In addition to Bazemore’s solid performance, the Hawks had a complete team effort as Trae Young (15), Kevin Huerter (16), John Collins (17), DeAndre’ Bembry (12), Alex Len (12) and Jeremy Lin (11) all scored double-digits.
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Bazemore led the Hawks in scoring and helped provide his team with intensity on both ends of the floor. Although, Atlanta secured the win over the Knicks in December both Emmanuel Mudiay and Kevin Knox torched the Hawks defense.
Mudiay finished the game with 32 points, 4 assists and 1 steal while shooting 12 of 20 from the field (60 percent). On the other hand, Knox finished the contest with 24 points and 6 rebounds.
Despite the Knicks’ putrid record the team has displayed some flashes of brilliance on the offense side of the ball.
After last Thursday’s NBA trade deadline teams have either traded expiring contracts, reached buyout agreements or traded former franchise players.
Feb 1, the Knicks agreed to trade Kristaps Porzingis, Courtney Lee and Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Dennis Smith, Wesley Matthews (waived) and DeAndre Jordan.
After the mid-blockbuster trade, the Knicks find themselves a bit faster in the backcourt and more athletic in the frontcourt.
On the flip side, the Atlanta Hawks opted to stay the course and refrained from making any trades. However, the team would part ways with Lin who played well with the Hawks, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Thursday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks will be fast paced and a glimpse of the future.
Currently, Atlanta is 19th in points per game and 30th in opponents points per game. On the other side, the New York Knicks are 26th in points per game and 25th in opponents points per game.
Both teams are looking to find their identity and take the next steps as a young franchise.
Next. Kevin Huerter: Best Rookie on the Hawks?. dark
Tip-off for this game is at 7:30 p.m. EST at the State Farm Arena.
All stats for this article are from stats.nba.com.