Hawks taking advantage of Knicks’ weakness is a clear sign their culture has shifted

After a convincing win to close out 2025, the Atlanta Hawks entered the new year with a wave of momentum. They were intent on carrying it into Friday night’s matchup against the New York Knicks and were successful in doing so. 

The Hawks defeated the Knicks 112-99 in their first action of 2026. It was a game they controlled from start to finish, leaving no doubt about the outcome.

New York has been one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams so far this season. They entered the game against Atlanta with an impressive 23-10 record, placing them just behind the Detroit Pistons for first place in the standings. 

They were extremely shorthanded in this one. Not only was Josh Hart sidelined with the same injury that held him out of the last matchup between the two teams, but they were also missing both of their top centers. 

Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson were both ruled out shortly before tip-off, and it was clear that the Hawks were set to have a major advantage in the frontcourt. 

Still, the Knicks have been a resilient team all season, and the Hawks didn’t need to mess around. They’re fighting an uphill battle in the standings, making every game feel like a must-win.

With both bigs out for New York, Atlanta knew exactly what they needed to do in order to pick up an important win on the road.

The Hawks knew they had to dominate down low, and they did.

The Hawks aren't usually a team that relies on their inside presence, but it was clear they had a significant advantage in that area as the game progressed.

Their first quarter game plan was surprising. Knowing they had the bigger, healthier team, they still seemed to rely on their outside shot.

In the first frame alone, Atlanta knocked down five threes on 12 attempts. The game, however, was up for grabs. They were only up three points despite the offensive outburst.

The momentum truly began to shift in the second quarter when their drives became more frequent. They only knocked down one three in the second frame, but managed to get out to a 13-point halftime lead due to their dominance down low.

17 of their 23 made field goals in the first half came from inside the arc, and they shot over 50% because they consistently created easy looks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the way with 15 points, with most of his baskets coming at the rim.

Not only were they getting whatever they wanted on the offensive end, but they won the rebounding battle in the first half as well. In their last matchup against the Knicks, the Hawks were embarrassed on the glass, resulting in a tough loss.

Having Kristaps Porzingis back certainly helps. While not known to be a great rebounder at his position, his 7'2" frame gives Atlanta a more physically intimidating presence down low. He led the Hawks with five rebounds in the first half.

The second half picked up right where they left off. A quick 8-2 run, with every basket coming from down low, put Atlanta up 19 points. They were truly exploiting a major weakness in New York's lineup.

From this moment on, the Hawks never looked back. Heading into the final quarter, they were leading by 24 points. They had 52 points in the paint compared to New York's 36.

By the time the game was over, it was obvious that this team has a new mentality. In consecutive games, the Hawks have controlled the glass and dictated the game's pace, resulting in two important wins.

The culture has shifted. Buckle up.