The New York Knicks are in a tough spot down 3-1 to the Atlanta Hawks.

This series was and is a return to the playoffs for the Knicks for the first time since 2013 but they have struggled.

The Knicks will need to make some adjustments if they are going to get back in the series against the Hawks.

It will be tough for the Knicks to get back as the Hawks are playing really well. There are some things the Knicks could do better especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The Knicks will need to make these 5 adjustments to get back in the series against the Hawks.

Knicks keys:

5. More defensive intensity

Heading into the playoffs the Knicks showed great intensity on the defensive end. New York did not defend well at all this game and it has been a big blow to the team, which allowed 113 points — that is too many for them to concede.

The Knickerbockers are going to have to adjust and get back to playing with high intensity.

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Look for the Knicks to come out and play with more intensity and effort on defense.

4. Get the shooters going

A big part of the Knicks offense is getting open looks from 3. Two of the talented 3 point shooters for the Knickerbockers struggled in game 4 as Immanuel Quickley and Reggie Bullock both had 0 points. These guys are both vital to the team's scoring success as they create space around Julius Randle and others. Randle has struggled throughout the series and the shooters stepping up will help him flow into his game easier.

3. Limit John Collins

John Collins had a good game for the Hawks. New York will need to limit him. Collins is a versatile forward that has so much offensive talent. The Knicks will need to force tough shots for him if they are going to win. He put up 22 points in today's win and really complimented Trae Young well. The Knicks can't really stop Young so limiting other options is what they have to do. The Knicks will need to make this adjustment in game 5 to give them a chance.

2. Get reliable scoring from role players

When a star like Randle is struggling it is important to get the role players going. Derrick Rose and Alec Burks have stepped up so far but they need more help. It doesn't mean the role players have to take over the game but they need to step up as the team only scored 96 points today. Players like Bullock, Quickley, Nerleans Noel, and others will need to rise to the occasion and score.

1. Get Julius Randle going

Star forward Julius Randle has struggled in the series so far and he needs to get going. While it may be his first playoff appearance he can still step up and play well. He's averaging 16.8 points per game in the playoffs so far on 27.4% shooting from the field. That is an abysmal number and there is no way the Knicks can win with him playing like that. Randle is the star and nucleus of this team and with him struggling the Knicks won't go anywhere. They need to do whatever they can to get him involved early and often.

Look for Randle to get going for the Knicks to get them back in the series. While the Knicks have an uphill climb they still have a good shot at getting back in the series.