NYK Survive Late Push From Atlanta
Enthusiasm in the New York Knicks’ play has waned in recent weeks. A matchup against a team they dominated in their season opener gave New York an opportunity to erase the memory of their most recent defeat.
The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 112-107 on Wednesday night at State Farm Arena to snap their two-game skid.
Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a game-high 34 points from the field in his return to the court after sitting out Monday night’s loss vs the Chicago Bulls.
He scored 12 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter where he helped New York hold off the Atlanta Hawks strong push.
The third quarter proved to be the difference as David Fizdale’s team came out with a renewed focus and energy.
New York outscored Atlanta in the third period 35-18 as Hardaway Jr. sparked the Knicks in the third quarter in addition to the fourth.
Enes Kanter continued to dominant with the second unit as he scored 17 points while grabbing 11 rebounds.
Noah Vonleh continues to be a solid presence for the New York Knicks as he recorded his fourth double-double of the season. The former lottery pick finished with points and rebounds vs Atlanta.
Kevin Knox, who was limited to five minutes on Monday night in his return from an ankle injury, saw him once again play in a limited capacity as he went 0-for-6 from the field on a scoreless night vs the Hawks.
The Knicks shot a season-high 47 free throw attempts while hitting 33 of them. In comparison, the Hawks shot 29 of them.
Omari Spellman led the Hawks with 18 points and 11 rebounds on a night as he represented one of the few issues for the Knicks offensively.
Trae Young struggled to get things going with his shot as he scored 13 points on 29 percent shooting. He would add eight assists as well.
New York (4-8) built a 16-point lead in the second half with their strong third and went into the fourth up 14.
It’s a different game if Atlanta hits a few more shots as they got the looks but could not knock them down.
For New York, their troubles to maintain leads resurfaced here tonight, but time was on their side as they escaped with the victory.
Finishing in the fourth quarter was a problem in each of the past two games and it’s something that David Fizdale has to help the Knicks develop in order for this team to see progression as the season goes on.
The New York Knicks will visit Scotiabank Arena to face the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon.
What are your thoughts on the Knicks latest victory? Leave your comments below!