The Knicks simply aren't beating Trae Young, Hawks

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has been destroying the New York Knicks in the first round and at this rate, there is no way the Knicks can win this series.

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has been a superstar through the first three games of the playoffs against the Knicks and with the way he's playing, there is absolutely not a chance New York is winning this series.

Young went off at Madison Square Garden, erupting for 32 in his postseason debut. He instantly became a villain amongst the Knicks faithful, but he ultimately silenced them with a game-winning floater in the dying seconds of Game 1.

While the Hawks lost Game 2, Trae Young showed out against with 30 points and seven assists. Sure, it was a cold shooting night for Atlanta, but the energy within MSG helped the Knicks immensely. Julius Randle is also shooting an atrocious 24% from the field thus far and is basically non-existent offensively.

Even though Young had only 21 points on Friday, he dished out 14 assists. This Knicks defense has no answer for him. He's scoring at will from wherever he wants, whether the Hawks guard is driving to the cup and hitting that signature floater or sinking logo threes.

Trae Young's speed is also flustering New York. He's so shifty and quick with the rock in his hands and even if he's not scoring, the 22-year-old is getting fouled. Young has gone 16 for 17 from the line in the series.

If the Knicks double-team him or believe they're containing Trae, he just drops a nasty dime, as he did on numerous occasions in Game 3, linking up with Clint Capela and John Collins for alley-oops. The Hawks shot almost 60% from downtown on Friday as well. How can you contest with that? While Atlanta was a lot less efficient in Game 2, Trae Young kept them in it.

New York had one of the best defenses in the NBA this season, but you wouldn't think so based on how they're playing. It's very clear their offense needs to get going, especially the focal point in Randle. But at this point, they have shown no signs of slowing down Trae Young, who is having his way with them each and every night. And if New York can't do that, Tom Thibodeau's team will be looking at a disappointing exit from the 2021 NBA playoffs.