A few thoughts on some of the Christmas games in the NBA…
Knicks 101, Hawks 87
This game was largely a snoozer, having lost most of its luster once Trae Young entered the health and safety protocols. Young was unable to rile up the Madison Square Garden crowd, and both teams entered the contest under .500, having so far not recreated the magic each had last season.
New York ultimately took care of a depleted Atlanta squad, though it should be noted the Knicks were also without Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley. Kemba Walker continued to take advantage of the absences, playing a Thibsian 40 minutes and recording a triple double, with 10 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, though he shot only 3-of-12 from the field.