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New York Knicks: 3 biggest questions before Atlanta Hawks series

By Chip Murphy

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 16: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates with RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks as the Knicks take on the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 16, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 16: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates with RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks as the Knicks take on the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 16, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
New York Knicks (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

New York Knicks playoff question No. 3: How will the Knicks slow down Trae Young?

Trae Young led the NBA in free throws made this season. Keeping him off the line will be one of the key factors of this series. Young averaged 7.7 free throws made per game out of his 25.3 points per game this season. But there’s something very James Harden-y about all of that.

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The Knicks did a good job against Young this season. In three games, Young shot just 36.2 percent overall and 21.4 percent from three with an average of 24.7 points per game. Of the 74 points he scored against the Knicks, 29 of them came from the free throw line. I’m not very good at math but I can tell that’s 39 percent which is a lot. Trae’s gonna need to get some calls if he wants to win this one.

Refs call the game differently in the playoffs. If Young can’t manipulate the officials like usual, the Knicks have a big advantage. The biggest question is really about who’s going to guard him. Just sticking Elfrid Payton on him like it’s a normal starting point guard matchup isn’t an option.

Inserting Ntilikina into the starting lineup is an option. Even if it’s not for long stretches, Frank can bother Young enough at the beginning of games to shake the All-Star point guard out of his rhythm.

A scout told SNY’s Ian Begley that a key to beating the Hawks is making Trae Young guard on defense. There are other guards on this team who can do a better job of that. Sticking a wing defender like Barrett or Bullock on Young is another option.

Next. Knicks: Previewing playoff series with the Hawks. dark

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