New York Knicks Fall To Hawks

The New York Knicks led by as many as 23 points but lost to the Atlanta Hawks 112-99. Hawks guard Dejounte Murray led all scorers with 36 points and had nine assists and six steals.

In the second quarter, the Knicks took their largest lead of the night at 51-28 when RJ Barrett hit a 3-pointer with 6:59 left. The Hawks from then on would use a 29-12 run to help them get back into the game. Trae Young had a rough start to the game going 2-12 from the field, but caught fire during the Hawks run and hit his next four shots scoring 10 points during the run. The Knicks went to the half up 65-57.

The Hawks' momentum could not be stopped going into the second half. Trae Young hit a layup to put the Hawks up but was taken to the locker room after getting hit in the face by Julius Randle. Aaron Holiday came in for him and hit a 3-pointer immediately as the Hawks went on a 12-0 run to open up the second half.

Barrett would hit a bucket to end the streak. The Knicks would later tie the game at 71 but the Hawks would score 12 more points and take the lead for good. Atlanta would outscore the Knicks 30-10 in the third and had as many turnovers as points.

Jalen Brunson scored 20 points, Barrett had 19 and Randle ended with 14.

“I think we got off to a great start, obviously,” Randle said. “Being up 23 at home, you obviously expect to win the game. So it’s tough, it’s disappointing, but we got to keep moving on to the next one.”

Coach Tom Thibodeau's inability to adapt and make changes in-game is what cost the Knicks this one. There is no excuse for the Knicks to drop this one. They have all the momentum and they are at home there is not much more you can ask for. From the middle of the second to the end of the game the Knicks looked like they gave up.

The rotations are one thing that is noticed as a big flaw. Their starting center Mitchell Robinson only played 18 minutes against the Hawks. He went 4-5 from the field ending with eight points and 12 rebounds. His backup Isaiah Hartenstein got 25 minutes but was not as productive as Mitchell. He had three points and six rebounds but one big thing to me is that he is a liability on defense. Mitchell is way better especially playing another center like Clint Capela who can move well.

Another one is Obi Toppin, he has been balling this season but he still neglects to give him more minutes. Why? He can spread the floor and he can finish at the rim. Giving the young guy more opportunities will go a long way for this team. Thibs should also try to play Toppin and Randle together. Even though it is a small sample size Randle and Toppin had a positive NET rating of +3.7 last season. The small ball lineup would let the Knicks run better on fast breaks giving more excitement for Knicks fans to see Toppin fly through the air. Thibs doesn’t seem to like the fit so he just won’t put them out there together, but he should try something new especially after giving up a 23-point lead which he has done before with this team last season.

The Knicks' next chance to bounce back will be Friday when they travel to face the Philadelphia 76ers.