Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks: NBA Cup Knockout Round
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks: NBA Cup Knockout Round Showdown
The NBA Cup Knockout Round continues this Wednesday with an exciting matchup between the Atlanta Hawks (13-12) and the New York Knicks (15-9). In this single-elimination format, both teams are vying for a chance to advance further in the tournament, but their recent performances suggest very different trajectories.
Atlanta Hawks: Snapping a Six-Game Win Streak
The Atlanta Hawks are coming off a tough 141-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets, marking a rare setback after an impressive six-game win streak. Atlanta had been on fire, defeating powerhouse teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Cleveland Cavaliers in their streak. However, the Nuggets, led by the reigning MVP Nikola Jokić, proved to be too much for the Hawks. Jokić dropped an eye-popping 48 points, and the Hawks couldn’t recover, despite a solid effort from De’Andre Hunter, who scored 20 points off the bench.
Hunter, who began the season as a starter before missing time with an injury, has found his role with the second unit but remains one of the team’s most reliable scorers. Averaging 19.3 points per game (PPG), he has become a key defender as well, capable of guarding multiple positions on the perimeter.
As for the Hawks’ star, Trae Young, he continues to lead the team with 20.9 PPG, but his shooting struggles from deep are worth noting. He’s currently hitting only 31% of his three-point attempts (2.6 threes per game). Despite the shooting inconsistency, Young leads the league in assists (12.2 APG) and remains one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league.
Jalen Johnson has been a breakout player for the Hawks this season, posting 19.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG, and 5.5 APG. His development is key to the team’s overall success, although his status for this game is uncertain due to a shoulder injury. Rookie Zaccharie Risacher (11.6 PPG) continues to impress as a 19-year-old starter.
The Hawks’ biggest concern has been their three-point defense, ranking last in the league by allowing 16.0 made threes per game. This is a crucial area for improvement if they hope to advance in the NBA Cup.
New York Knicks: Riding High with Dominant Play
The New York Knicks enter the knockout round as the second seed, boasting a strong recent record of five wins in their last six games. Their only loss during this stretch came at the hands of the Detroit Pistons. With a solid 15-9 record, the Knicks sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, just one game behind the Orlando Magic for third place.
In their most recent game against the Toronto Raptors, the Knicks emerged victorious with a hard-fought 113-108 win. Karl-Anthony Towns was instrumental in the win, recording 24 points and 15 rebounds, continuing his dominant start to the season. Towns, who has been a revelation since joining New York, is currently ranked second in the NBA in rebounding (13.3 RPG) and is also averaging 25.1 PPG. His performances have been a major factor in the Knicks’ strong positioning in the standings.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson has been nearly as impactful, leading the team in scoring with 25.2 PPG and contributing 7.8 APG. Brunson’s shooting efficiency is noteworthy, as he’s hitting 43.2% of his three-point attempts (2.7 per game), providing the Knicks with a reliable floor general and perimeter shooter.
Mikal Bridges has continued his strong play as well, contributing 16.9 PPG, including a solid 23-point performance in Toronto. Alongside OG Anunoby, the Knicks boast one of the most versatile defensive duos in the league, and Anunoby’s 17.5 PPG provides another reliable scoring option.
The Knicks also benefit from the all-around game of Josh Hart, who has carved out a role as a strong rebounder (8.3 RPG) and contributor on offense (13.9 PPG). The depth of New York’s roster, including players like Miles McBride and Cameron Payne off the bench, gives them an advantage in maintaining fresh legs throughout the game.
While New York has struggled defensively against the three-point line (ranking 25th in the league with 4.1 three-pointers allowed per game), their overall defensive system remains solid. The Knicks play at the slowest pace in the league, ranking 30th in possessions per game, which allows them to control the tempo and limit opponents’ fast-break opportunities.
Conclusion
This NBA Cup matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams in contrasting form. The New York Knicks, with their defensive prowess and efficient offensive weapons, will be the favorites heading into this knockout round. However, the Atlanta Hawks, led by Trae Young and an emerging cast of players, will look to bounce back from their recent loss and prove their mettle on the big stage.
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