As the playoffs approach, the Atlanta Hawks are riding high, showcasing a squad that’s been a force to reckon with in March. They've climbed into the 6-seed, leaving the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat to battle it out in the play-in tournament. While the Bulls are heading to the lottery, the Hawks are setting their sights on a promising postseason.
Securing the 6-seed sets up a potential clash with the 3-seed New York Knicks, a matchup that might seem daunting at first glance. The Knicks have been on a tear, looking every bit like a formidable opponent. However, there’s a strategic opportunity for the Hawks to exploit, one that could turn the tide in their favor.
The key to unraveling the Knicks lies in targeting Jalen Brunson’s defense. Throughout the 2025-2026 season, teams that have consistently attacked Brunson in pick-and-roll scenarios have seen a notable boost in their winning percentages. This trend highlights a vulnerability that the Hawks can capitalize on.
Interestingly, the Hawks have been part of this trend, utilizing pick-and-roll actions against Brunson in about 14% of their possessions-slightly above the league average. This approach has proven effective for teams across the board, with the exception of the Indiana Pacers, who have struggled due to their own challenges.
The data underscores a critical insight: successful teams identify and exploit weaknesses in their opponents. For the Hawks, this means ramping up their pick-and-roll attacks on Brunson. If they can harness this strategy effectively, they might just engineer an upset against the Knicks.
As April looms, expect to see the Hawks deploying Jalen Johnson and others in relentless pick-and-roll assaults on Brunson. It’s a tactical move that could pave the way for another thrilling playoff series victory for Atlanta.