Hawks Upset Knicks in NBA Cup Quarterfinals

In a thrilling showdown at Madison Square Garden, the Atlanta Hawks stunned the New York Knicks with a final score of 108-100, advancing to the semifinals of the NBA Cup. The Hawks put together an impressive 27-8 run in the third quarter, showcasing their resilience and strategic play under pressure.

Game Highlights

Key Players and Stats

• Trae Young led the Hawks with 22 points and 11 assists, proving to be a pivotal player in their victory.
• DeAndre' Hunter and Jalen Johnson combined for an impressive 45 points, contributing significantly to the team’s overall performance.
• The Knicks struggled from beyond the arc, making only 11 of 42 attempts, resulting in a poor shooting percentage of 26.2% from three-point range.

Rebounding Tale

Despite the Knicks missing more shots compared to the Hawks (53 field goals vs. 60), Atlanta's aggressive rebounding mentality shone through. They recorded 22 offensive rebounds compared to New York’s 12, an anomaly in a game where typically, teams with more offensive rebounds often find themselves on the losing end. This remarkable stat led the Hawks to dominate in the paint, scoring 56 points there.

Oddsmakers' Surprise

The oddsmakers were caught off-guard by the game, offering the Knicks as -350 favorites, yet they ended up losing by eight points. Astoundingly, the game total went under by nearly 30 points, making this an atypical betting scenario.

Tactical Breakdown

The Hawks capitalized on the Knicks' defensive schemes, particularly with their ability to exploit mismatches. Trae Young expertly navigated through aggressive coverages, often finding teammates like DeAndre' Hunter in the corner for open shots. Their quick ball movement and well-timed cuts often left New York's defense scrambling, which resulted in several highlights, including memorable alley-oops late in the game.

A Shift in Dynamics

This match is reminiscent of last year's performance by the Indiana Pacers in a similar tournament setting. The NBA Cup provides a platform for up-and-coming teams like the Hawks to prove themselves under pressure, and they are taking full advantage of it. Fans are already buzzing about how this experience can accelerate their playoff development.

Future Outlook

With this win, the Hawks will face the Milwaukee Bucks in the semifinals, set to take place this Saturday in Las Vegas. Atlanta’s strategic adjustments, especially involving Young's playmaking and the team's rebounding prowess, will be critical against a formidable Bucks squad.

As the Knicks regroup after this disappointment, they will need to reassess their shooting, particularly from the perimeter, to regain their footing in upcoming matches.

Conclusion

The NBA Cup continues to showcase frantic and unpredictable games, and this matchup was no exception. With Trae Young and the Hawks finding their rhythm, fans are eager to see how far this team can go in the tournament. Be sure to catch the next games and witness the highs and lows of postseason basketball.

Keywords

Including keywords such as Hawks vs. Knicks, Jalen Brunson, Trae Young, and NBA Cup strategically throughout this analysis ensures an engaging read while also being optimized for search visibility. As we look ahead, it will be fascinating to monitor how players like Dyson Daniels and others perform in later rounds, particularly given their recent standout games.