Officiating

Rarely is it the true fault of the referees why a team wins or loses. But, when you have such drastic styles of play as there is in this series, the officiating will be an X-Factor.

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Will the crew allow the Knicks to play with the same level of physicality they have become known for this season? If that is the case, they will have an edge in this department. But, if ticky-tack perimeter calls are starting to get whistled, that gives the Hawks a distinct advantage.

Trae Young has mastered the art of almost falling back into opponents for foul calls. It is something that could swing the momentum of this series if the Knicks have perimeter players start getting into foul trouble early in games.