The Atlanta Hawks are a team that thrives in specific aspects of the game, but have a tendency to fold when they're not able to dictate one of those categories they excel in. Whenever the Knicks have played their game this series, Atlanta hasn't had much of an answer. This has to change, or else the Hawks will be watching the rest of the postseason from their couches.
Now, a variety of things have to go their way if they want that to happen. A team focusing on doing what they do best can only take them so far. Playoff runs depend on a world of luck, as well as an even whistle. Both are difficult to come by in today's NBA, especially as the underdog. For a Hawks team that sees most of their success depend on the amount of pace and physicality they're allowed to play with, they don't have much room for error.
A few key players need to start making some crucial adjustments
In their Game Four loss at home, several important Hawks got into foul trouble, forcing them to limit their attack. This has been a consistent problem in this first-round series. The guys will come out aggressively, looking to set the tone and make their strengths felt, but the flow of the game makes them look elsewhere.
It's either resulted in brilliant play or backfired tremendously. For Atlanta, in their recent loss that tied the series at two-a-piece, it was the latter. Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, Dyson Daniels and Jonathan Kuminga all got into foul trouble, significantly reducing the fire they were playing with.
McCollum: "They played better than us. They played harder, more physical."
— Zach Langley (@ZachLangleyNBA) April 26, 2026
New York is built to sustain their high level of play, even when things aren't necessarily going their way. They can shake off a few bad calls, or turn their attack into a transition-focused one, all because of the versatility their lineup provides.
They've got spectacular defenders at each wing position, perfectly making up for whatever liabilities Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are on that end. They're a full lineup of quick players who are able to adapt to any scenario the matchup provides. It's why they were the favorites heading in.
Atlanta's upcoming matchup will tell fans everything they need to know
Game Five, with the series tied 2-2, will be the biggest game of the year for each squad. Coach Snyder's ability to prepare his players for these high-stakes matchups has been promising, but this is going to be a challenge like no other.
If they're able to dictate the pace and get out in transition often, great. If they're able to play with a normal level of physicality from start to finish, even better. This one could go either way, but not many teams can beat the Hawks when they're allowed to play their brand of basketball.
It's an effective one, no doubt.
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