The Atlanta Hawks need to beware of the wounded Knicks
The Atlanta Hawks are on the verge of getting into the second round of the playoffs. They have a 3-1 series lead over the New York Knicks and they are heading back into Madison Square Gardens for the fifth game.
If the Hawks win this then they are through to the second round. If they lose, they will then have to travel back to State Farm Arena to try and close out the series. Given how the Knicks have been playing over the last two games, there is a strong possibility of the Hawks winning.
However, the last game that the Hawks lost was on the Knicks’ home floor. This was the second game in the series where the Knicks ramped up their defense which put the Hawks off their game.
The Atlanta Hawks need to beware the wounded Knicks
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It is not the injury list that the Hawks need to be worried about. The Knicks’ pride is what has been wounded. Not only did they lose their home-court advantage but their best player, Julius Randle, has been neutralized. He is still scoring but his efficiency is horrendous.
It has led to a high level of frustration from the Knicks star, particularly as his team is on the wrong end of the series deficit. This boiled over last game when he pushed off Danilo Gallinari, earning himself a flagrant foul, penalty one.
It was in response to Gallinari putting an elbow in the back of Reggie Bullock going for a rebound. This appeared to be a normal play in the post but it had the misfortune of hurting Bullock. Randle responded with his push but it says that the Knicks are getting frustrated.
This is after the game before where John Collins stepped in between Bullock and Trae Young after Bullock started being the aggressor right at the end of the game. The Knicks are wounded, they are proud and they are about to play what could be their last game in front of the home crowd.
Next. Trae Young will be crucial in these playoffs. dark
The Atlanta Hawks need to beware of the New York Knicks with the wounded pride.