After a 4-1 start, the Atlanta Hawks suffered their first true disappointment of the 2020-21 season on Saturday evening. The Hawks led by as many as 15 points in the second half before faltering in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers but, on Monday, Atlanta will have the opportunity to bounce back against the New York Knicks.
Even with the implosion on Saturday, the Hawks rate as one of the most dynamic offensive teams in the NBA through six games. Like the Cavs, however, the Knicks are an improved defensive bunch in comparison to previous years, and New York currently ranks as a top-eight defense on a per-possession basis.