Knicks’ smothering of Hawks portends something much bigger
The New York Knicks delivered a dominant performance against the Atlanta Hawks, showcasing a defensive intensity that suggests broader implications for their playoff aspirations. Amid a modern NBA era favoring offense and three-point shooting, the Knicks' physical, defense-first approach stands out as a throwback strategy. The article questions whether this style can sustain success, referencing historical adages about defense winning championships.
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New York Knicks Stefan Bondy Knicks’ smothering of Hawks portends something much bigger By Stefan Bondy Published April 29, 2026, 8:10 p.m. ET Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) looks to pass the ball against New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32). Brad Penner-Imagn Images ATLANTA — I know. It’s a lazy cliche and engenders eye-rolling because you’ve heard it hundreds of times and it feels easier to refute in the 3-ball era. But here you go, as first uttered by ’Bama pigskin coach Bear Bryant: See Also New York Knicks Knicks have to ride the highs and lows of the Mitchell Robinson roller coaster Defense wins championships.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.