Hawks have to find ‘some edge’ in Game 5 vs Knicks

Dukes and Bell dive into the high-stakes Game 5 between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks, emphasizing the critical nature of the matchup at Madison Square Garden. The hosts reflect on the 2021 Hawks' unexpected playoff run, drawing parallels to the current series and questioning whether this year's team has the mental toughness and physical edge needed to overcome the Knicks. They stress the importance of Jalen Johnson emerging as an alpha dog, the lack of a true physical presence on the roster, and the need for aggressive play, especially in stopping Carl Anthony Towns from dominating in the post. The conversation also touches on roster missteps, such as the failure to develop a true pick-and-roll partner for Trey Young and the team's reliance on two-point guards, which they label as a strategic error. The hosts highlight the psychological battle, the pressure of the moment, and the idea that Game 5 often decides series, citing historical trends and NBA analytics. They also briefly discuss the Phillies' managerial firing and the Tigers' strong start, framing it as part of a larger narrative about teams failing to deliver ROI despite high spending.