New York Knicks Takeaways From Rough Home Opener Loss To Atlanta Hawks

Oct 29, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks came crashing back to earth tonight. After putting together a full team effort in an impressive win over the Milwaukee Bucks on opening night, the Knicks came out a little flat against the Atlanta Hawks and were never able to recover. The Hawks took control early on and never looked back, as 6-5 was the last lead the Knicks held and it went pretty much downhill after that.

The defensive intensity that led the Knicks to the victory over the Bucks was just not there against the Hawks, who got whatever they wanted when they wanted. The Knicks offense was stuck in neutral most of the night, but they couldn’t slow down the Hawks who looked to be in high gear all evening.

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The bench was also not as big of a factor tonight, as they didn’t seem to have the same energy as they did last night. Back-to-back sets are difficult enough to win, but this early in the season players are not yet in full game shape and it showed for the Knicks tonight. The effort wasn’t the same, as the Hawks seemed to beat them to every loose ball and looked like the fresher team, as they played Tuesday and got to rest last night. They did, however, outplay the starters which should be all you need to know about the struggles tonight.

While many people will be disappointed with how the Knicks performed tonight, this was a team on the second night of a back-to-back that is still working out the kinks. Also, it is not like the Hawks are a bottom feeding also ran; they were the number one seed in the Eastern Conference last season with 60 wins.

So while it is two consecutive disappointing home openers for the Knicks, they have to move past this game and look forward as they will continue what is a very difficult stretch of games to start the season. What are some things they can work on, or should continue doing in those games?

Check out our takeaways from the Knicks loss to the Hawks on Thursday night.

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