Rebounding
Both of these teams were solid rebounding the basketball in the regular season. They were fourth and fifth, separated by .2, in total rebounds per 100 possessions.
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Where the difference comes in in rebounds allowed, as New York Knicks opponents pulled down 45.5 rebounds per game, while the Atlanta Hawks’ grab 43.4.
That isn’t a monster difference, but if that difference is two more offensive rebounders, that could be six more points for the Hawks. They have a dominant presence in the middle when it comes to rebounding in Clint Capela, who New York will have to try slowing down.
The Knicks take more of a team approach to it, as they had five players average at least 5.6 rebounds per game this season; Atlanta had only two with more than five per game.
