Hawks must look to put Knicks on their heels early

Carl Dukes and Mike Bell of Dukes & Bell kick off their Sports Radio 92.9 The Game broadcast with a deep dive into the upcoming Hawks vs. Knicks playoff series, emphasizing the need for Atlanta to take control early in Madison Square Garden. They highlight the psychological edge of winning even one game in New York, which would shift pressure onto the Knicks and their head coach Mike Brown. The hosts dissect key matchup challenges, including the Hawks' size disadvantage against Karl-Anthony Towns and the need to contain Jalen Brunson by attacking the basket and forcing him into defensive responsibilities. They stress the importance of tempo, transition play, and defensive intensity, while also questioning Mike Brown’s coaching pedigree despite his resume. The discussion touches on roster dynamics, including Kaminga’s potential as an X-factor off the bench, and the team’s inexperience compared to the Knicks’ veteran cohesion. The hosts express cautious optimism, citing the Hawks’ growth and recent learning moments, while acknowledging the uphill battle ahead. The segment closes with a preview of upcoming NFL draft coverage and a spotlight on Will Anderson’s record-breaking contract with the Texans.