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The New York Knicks are on the brink of elimination ahead of a must-win Game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks, who are currently up 3-1 in this series. The Knicks have really struggled to thrive offensively and contain their opponents on the opposite end, losing back-to-back contests in Atlanta.
However, their backs are up against the wall here. Here are three bold predictions for Wednesday's contest.
Randle finally erupts
We're all waiting for Julius Randle to finally show out like he did all season long to lead the Knicks to secure the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. He has been practically non-existent in these playoffs so far, averaging just 16.8 points per game while shooting an atrocious 27% from the field.
However, Game 4 was a glimpse into what could be in store for Wednesday. The Most Improved Player of the Year played a lot better, dropping 23 points while collecting 10 boards and dishing out seven assists. He was also more efficient from downtown and the field. Randle was still missing far too many mid-range jumpers, but it was a step in the right direction.
Expect him to have a big game at MSG for the Knicks and start to attack the rim more often. He isn't showing any shortage of confidence despite his slow start in the postseason. Randle is still taking lots of shots. A lot more of those attempts will fall in Game 5.
Knicks contain Trae Young
Trae Young is having his way with the Knicks in this series, averaging a ridiculous 27.5 points and 10 assists per night. They've tried double-teaming him but then he'll just dish out a nifty dime to an open teammate. Young is scoring at will from literally wherever he wants.
But, after all, the Knicks do have one of the better defenses in the Association. While it hasn't been very evident in the playoffs, they're going to step up here. What New York must do is not double-team Trae. He's surrounded by fantastic shooters like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kevin Huerter. The Knicks must push Young out beyond the perimeter to make him attempt more deep threes. If he keeps sinking them, so be it. But they can't let a 6 foot 1 guard beat them inside and keep finishing at the rim. Make the Hawks star take the tough shots and avoid fouling him so often because he is lethal from the line. After four games of Trae Young torching the Knicks, they're going to finally figure it out on Wednesday.
New York finds it from downtown
Another glaring weakness for the Knicks in the first round has been their inefficiency from deep. During the regular season, NY was the second-best three-point shooting team in the NBA, draining 39.2% of their attempts. However, in the playoffs, it's been the complete opposite. As a team, the Knicks are shooting a mere 30.5% from long range.
They have four different players who shot 40% or better in 2020/21. While Randle went 2 for 4 last game, the likes of Derrick Rose, RJ Barrett, and Alec Burks will rally behind the Knicks crowd and start to find a rhythm in Game 5. Their lone win in Game 2 was the perfect example. New York shot 36% from downtown, which is respectable. Expect this to play a key part in collecting a victory on Wednesday.
