Apr 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) is defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks were able to win their season opener convincingly, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in blowout fashion, 122-97 last night. The Knicks will now have a quick turnaround, as they will play the second night of a back-to-back. They should be able to get a little boost despite it being the second night of a back-to-back, as it will be their home opener at Madison Square Garden.
For their home opener, the Knicks will be hosting the Atlanta Hawks, the reignings number one seed from the Eastern Conference. They will be looking to get their first win of the season, as they struggled opening night with the Detroit Pistons; the Hawks lost their home opener 106-94 as they struggled to slow down Andre Drummond inside.
This will be the second game in a tough stretch to start the season for the Knicks, as eight of their first 10 games are against opponents that appeared in the 2015 NBA Playoffs. The Hawks will provide a good test for the Knicks, who passed their first one opening night with a total team effort in blowing out the Bucks.
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Like the Knicks, the Hawks are trying to fit new players into the rotation, as they lost do it all wingman DeMarre Carroll. Unlike the Knicks though, they have a 60-win season as a building block, while the Knicks are coming off a franchise worse 17-win season.
One of the players that the Hawks are working into the rotation is a familiar face for the Knicks in Tim Hardaway Jr. Hardaway Jr. was part of a draft night trade between the two teams, which saw the Knicks acquire the 19th overall pick in Jerian Grant. This will be the first time that Hardaway Jr. returns to Madison Square Garden, and he will probably receive a pretty warm reception from the crowd.
The Knicks have yet another tall task ahead of them if they want to pick up a win in their home opener over the Hawks. The crowd will undoubtedly be in a frenzy for the first game of the season, especially after picking up a win in the season opener. What will it take for the Knicks to pick up the victory?
Check out our matchup to watch for and some keys to the game when the Knicks host the Hawks in their 2015-16 home opener.
Next: Matchup To Watch