The Knicks aren't evenly matched to the Hawks.
Like, the Hawks with Nate, had a top 10 defense and offense.
Only thing the Knicks can seriously do is hope to go on runs when Trae sits. The Knicks have a shitty offense and a top 5 defense.
The Knicks have no chance. Nobody in the league can guard Trae. Play Trae 40 mins a game and the Knicks are outta there.
Julius Randle's stats and impact was always fools gold. He played the most minutes in the NBA and lead the Knicks to the 23rd ranked offense. He can't carry an offense to any respectable level.
The Knicks won by playing defense. Well they are playing a top 5 guard, on a top 10 offense.
Plus, the type of shots Randle takes are hard as hell. They are stepback midranges, runners, contested layups. He's not Kobe or KD, he's not gonna make those all game.
Julius Randle basically will have to play like a top 5 scorer to make the Knicks a threat to the Hawks.
Thibs don't have any options. Julius has to get buckets. Putting some non-scorer out there like Payton or Frank will be another guy that the Hawks can use to double Randle.