While the Knicks took all three meetings with the Hawks this season they are well aware that the playoffs present a different challenge.
Atlanta is a different team, turning the season around with a 25-11 run (entering the final day of the season) after a coaching change put veteran Nate McMillan in charge.
It wasn’t just a coaching change, but also a matter of getting healthy. Bogdan Bogdanovic was sidelined nine games into the season and didn’t return until after Lloyd Pierce was fired. Clint Capela took on a huge role after McMillan took over, but the key remains containing Trae Young, an explosive offensive talent.