The Atlanta Hawks are vying for a trip to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup. If they are able to take care of the Knicks at Madison Square Garden Wednesday Night they will punch their ticket. Perhaps more importantly, they will be in the national spotlight and can showcase their newfound success after a great offseason of additions.
GM Landry Fields found two gems in No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels, who was acquired in the trade with the Pelicans for Dejounte Murray. De'Andre Hunter has also found new life coming off the bench and being a key piece for the second unit.
The team's 13-12 record may not appear overly impressive on paper, but when you factor in the offseason prediction for wins was hovering around 35 the team is performing over expectations. A win vs a very talented New York squad will help to further the narrative the Hawks will be a competitive team this season.