As the NBA playoffs progress, the Atlanta Hawks face the New York Knicks in Game 3 on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. Heading into the match, the series is tied at one game each after Atlanta’s impressive comeback. The Hawks are looking to leverage their home-court advantage at State Farm Arena, where they have secured 14 wins in their last 15 regular-season games.
Key Highlights to Watch in Knicks vs. Hawks Game 3
1. Impact of Bench Players
Bench performance has become crucial in this series. In Game 1, the Knicks outperformed the Hawks by six points during Jalen Brunson’s time on the bench. However, this dynamic shifted in Game 2, where the Knicks were outscored by four points during Brunson’s absence.
Jonathan Kuminga emerged as a key player for the Hawks. He contributed 19 points and solid defensive plays, increasing his playing time significantly compared to Game 1. Meanwhile, the Knicks may experience a challenge with their bench depth, especially with their smaller lineup.
2. Late-Clock Offense Struggles
The Knicks have exhibited difficulties with their late-clock execution. Despite having one of the best late-game offenses in the league, their performance has faltered. In the first two games, the Knicks shot only 26.1% in the final seconds of possessions.
In contrast, the Hawks also faced challenges early in the shot clock but managed to hold the Knicks to subpar scoring during critical moments, aided by disciplined defensive strategies.
3. Utilizing Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns is pivotal for the Knicks’ strategy, particularly when matched against smaller defenders. While he has had limited post-up opportunities so far, increasing his usage could be beneficial for the Knicks in Game 3.
Defending against Towns will be a challenge for the Hawks, especially when they assign smaller players to guard him. Exploiting this mismatch could be vital for New York’s offensive flow and overall performance.
Game Day Information
The playoff atmosphere continues to electrify as the Knicks and Hawks gear up for Game 3. Both teams are eager to secure a pivotal lead in the series. Fans can watch the game live on Prime Video.
- Teams: New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks
- Date: Thursday
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
With both teams showcasing their talents and strategies, this matchup promises to be a compelling chapter in the ongoing playoff saga.
