Knicks' Tom Thibodeau Annoyed For Reasons Beyond Scoring in Loss to Hawks
The New York Knicks are picking up the pieces after their 116-100 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
With Jalen Brunson (knee) sitting out alongside long-term absences OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) the Knicks fell behind by 21 in the first half before forcing two ties in the third quarter. From there, however, Atlanta outscored New York 33-22 in the final period, capping things off with a 21-9 run over the final 6:02.
Vincent Carchietta, USA TODAY SPORTS
Even with a poor effort from the field (38.4 percent from the floor, 16-of-52 from three-point range.), head coach Tom Thibodeau was displeased about the team's interior shortcomings more than anything.
"You're in (a) position to win, the rebounding was a problem," Thibodeau said in the aftermath, per SNY. "That was a bigger concern for me. Missed shots are a part of the game but your rebounding is important and we didn't rebound the ball. It's one of the few times we got out-rebounded."
The Knicks were outrebounded by the Hawks 51-40, on Tuesday night, including 17-9 in the opening period that saw them trail by 18 by the end. Tuesday's showdown at Madison Square Garden was a battle between top 10 teams in rebounding and was just the 13th time the Knicks have been on the wrong side of the battle: New York is 3-10 in those games and Tuesday's margin of minus-11 was its second-worst in any game this season, ahead of only a Dec. 23 loss to Milwaukee.
Missing Randle and Mitchell Robinson has obviously hurt but the Knicks (36-26) have been able to press forward with Precious Achuiwa, Josh Hart, and Isaiah Hartenstein rising to the occasion. Rebounding has been one of the few variable where the Knicks have complete control. If they're not able to control that area, they could be facing the unfortunate reality of a quick playoff exit if they're not careful.
The Knicks' next opportunity to work the glass comes on Friday night when they face the Orlando Magic (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
