The definition of insanity is repeating the same actions repeatedly.
Stop me if you’ve heard this scenario before.
The Knicks are going into Game 3 of a first-round playoff series tied at 1-1 wit the Hawks. They dominated their opponent in Game 1 but were upset at Madison Square Garden in Game 2.
For the second straight playoffs, Jalen Brunson and the Knicks must reassure the city of New York that they can confront adversity and secure crucial road victories.
This contest is essentially a pick em’ with the Knicks laying 1.5 points and being set as slight -115 moneyline favorites to the Hawks’ -105 odds, per bet365 Sportsbook.
The Knicks’ epic fourth-quarter collapse in Game 2 looked awfully similar to last season’s breakdown against the Pacers. Questionable half-court sets on offense, a lack of composure and an inability to make a timely defensive stop doomed them in the final minutes.
The Knicks were held to just 15 points in the final quarter, 10 of which came from Brunson. There was also C.J. McCollum turning back the clock and picking on Brunson whenever he guarded him.
The veteran guard found his spots efficiently all night, finishing with a game-high 32 points and a +13 plus-minus in the fourth quarter alone.
One Knicks-centric perspective is that, apart from losing to the Hornets in the regular-season finale when most players rested, the starters had essentially built a six-game winning streak that included Game 1.
The Knicks experienced streaks of consecutive wins throughout the season, but each time, a setback would hit them, pushing them to refocus.
They’ve been the better team throughout the series, and sometimes a wake-up call is needed.
I’m expecting a tough, physical start from Atlanta, riding momentum from Game 2 and their home crowd.
But two main advantages for the Knicks remain on the glass, out-rebounding the Hawks, 92-76, across both games, and Atlanta’s struggles at the charity stripe (71.4%).
The Knicks, despite a mediocre 22-19 road record, did win both away meetings against Atlanta in the regular season. Remember, Brunson exploded for 17 fourth-quarter points en route to a Knicks 108-105 win in early April.
Sure, the Hawks made it a series, but the moment for a classic Brunson Burner performance to quiet the skeptics is Thursday night at State Farm Arena, and I’m willing to bet on it.
The Plays: Knicks moneyline (-115, bet365) | Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 points (-125, BetMGM)
Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
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