The New York Knicks knew they’d be facing a tough opponent in the Atlanta Hawks in the first series of the postseason, but they didn’t imagine how physical and intense it would be. Playing aggressive defense during the regular season, the Knicks had the number one ranked unit in points allowed per game, but Atlanta found ways to exploit their deficiencies.
One of those weaknesses was ultimately point guard Elfrid Payton, who average 23.6 minutes per game this season, shooting .432 from the field and a measly .286 from three-point land. He averaged 10.1 points per contest, but once the playoffs rolled around, Payton saw his opportunities dwindle to mere single-digit reality.