(Ep. 431/ATL and 29) 'Tis the Season for Murderball
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The ATL and 29 podcast episode dives into the Hawks' recent loss to the Knicks, analyzing both the game's outcome and its broader implications for the team's playoff readiness. The hosts—Kevin Chouinard, Glenn Willis, and Tyler Jones—highlight the Hawks' missed opportunities despite strong possessions and rebounding advantages, emphasizing their inability to close out the game offensively. They discuss the physicality of the Knicks' defense, particularly how Carl Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson disrupted spacing and forced the Hawks into inefficient plays. A major focus is on the team's lack of depth at center, with Tony Bradley’s debut marked by offensive rust but defensive promise. The hosts stress the mental and physical adjustments needed as the Hawks prepare for a more physical playoff style, where contact is tolerated and aggressive play is essential. They also critique the Hawks' bench performance, lack of offensive creativity, and questionable rotation decisions, especially with Zach Collins and Kaminga. The episode concludes with praise for Nikhil's breakout season and speculation about the Most Improved Player award, while questioning Quinn Snyder’s public messaging around Jock Landale’s injury suspension.
The Hawks must adapt to a more physical playoff style where contact is tolerated and aggressive play is required.
Tony Bradley’s defensive presence is valuable, but his offensive inconsistency highlights the need for better bench depth.
The Hawks’ offensive inefficiency late in games stems from slow pacing and poor decision-making, especially without Jock Landale.
The team’s lack of a true backup center forces Jalen Johnson into unsustainable minutes, risking fatigue and defensive lapses.
Nikhil’s breakout season makes him a strong candidate for Most Improved Player, though his offensive decision-making needs refinement.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Hawks' Loss to the Knicks: A Missed Opportunity
“They won the possession battle. They put themselves in a position to win the game and they just didn't close it as well as they'd like.”
Tony Bradley’s Debut and the Center Depth Crisis
“He played for the Pacers last year. The Pacers play really, really fast. The Hawks try to play fast. So there shouldn't be like a big context change for him around that.”
The Physicality of the Playoffs: A Mental Adjustment
“They need to stop being so ethical. But they're going to have to learn. They'll learn in the first quarter of the first game if they do end up five or six or wherever they end up in a matchup there that like, oh, okay, this is completely different than regular season.”
Offensive Inefficiency and Bench Struggles
The episode critiques the Hawks’ offensive stagnation late in games, slow ball movement, and poor shot selection. The bench’s lack of size, strength, and experience is highlighted, especially in the absence of Jock Landale.
Nikhil’s Breakout and MVP Considerations
Nikhil is praised for his all-around performance, with hosts calling him a star turn. The discussion turns to the Most Improved Player race, with Nikhil seen as the frontrunner despite concerns about his offensive decision-making.
“They need to stop being so ethical. But they're going to have to learn. They'll learn in the first quarter of the first game if they do end up five or six or wherever they end up in a matchup there that like, oh, okay, this is completely different than regular season.”
“They won the possession battle. They put themselves in a position to win the game and they just didn't close it as well as they'd like.”
“The only chance they were going to do that without Okongu on the floor was with Jalen on the floor. Like, they could not have minutes with no Okongu or Jalen on the floor while Mitchell Robinson's in the game.”
Host
New York Knicks
other
Glenn Willis
person
Tyler Jones
person
Jalen Johnson
person
Cleveland Cavaliers
other
Tony Bradley
person
Nikhil
person
Jock Landale
person
Kevin Chouinard
person
Mitchell Robinson
person
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