Atlanta Hawks

Any visit to the NBA’s most iconic arena is the perfect opportunity to show the world your shutdown defense. After allowing 65 first-half points, the Atlanta Hawks pulled no punches after the break in a Madison Square Garden showdown with the New York Knicks. During a particularly suppressive third quarter, Dejounte Murray picks off an errant pass and pushes the transition attack. Okongwu shows he’s no slouch himself when he thwarts an RJ Barrett drive with a steal and John Collins also gets the best of the Knicks guard with a clean block off the glass. Barrett’s teammates couldn’t solve the Hawks’ relentless attack either, as exhibited by DeAndre Hunter swatting Immanuel Quickley’s floater attempt and Aaron Holiday’s vicious chase down block from behind on Obi Toppin. All told, the Hawks registered 11 steals and four blocks while forcing the Knicks into a 10-for-36 night behind the arc in Atlanta’s 112-99 victory on November 2, 2022.