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Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks Keys To The Game

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is called for an offensive foul against Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Knicks won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is called for an offensive foul against Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Knicks won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks Keys To The Game
Nov 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) walks off the court after being ejected in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Hawks 100-96. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Battle In The Paint

The rebounding battle will be one to keep an eye on throughout the game. The Hawks come into the game as one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA. They are eighth with 45.3 rebounds per game and fifth in rebounding percentage at 52.5 percent. While the Knicks are right behind them in total rebounds in 11th with 44.5, they are middle of the pack in rebounding percentage.

The Knicks are 14th in rebounding percentage with 50.4 percent. Where the Knicks really struggle is in defensive rebounding; they are 27th in the NBA at 73.7 percent. That could be a problem against the Hawks, who rank eighth in the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.5 percent.

The Knicks are going to have to gang rebound against a Hawks team that gets after it on the boards. Dwight Howard looks rejuvenated back in his home city of Atlanta and will be a handful in the middle averaging 12.9 rebounds per game. It will be up to Joakim Noah to try and slow Howard down on the glass as he can single-handedly control the paint by himself.

Howard and Noah rank second and third in the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage at 17.8 and 15.4 percent respectively. That is something to keep an eye on as they both get their team’s extra possessions; whoever can contain the other one more could help turn the tide of the game.

The Knicks also have to keep an eye on backup Mike Muscala. He averages 4.7 rebounds in 21.9 minutes per game to go along with 10 points. He is the leader in true shooting percentage and effective field goal percentage in the NBA.

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