The New York Knicks will not overhaul their rotation for Monday night’s Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks, despite Atlanta’s decision to repeatedly foul center Mitchell Robinson in the series opener.
Head coach Mike Brown said Robinson will again receive his usual minutes even after the Hawks sent the 7-footer to the line four times in Game 1, where he converted just one attempt and failed to gather an offensive rebound over 15 minutes.
“We’ll probably just use a normal rotation, and at the end of the day he’s going to get an opportunity, and we’re confident he’ll knock them down,” Brown told reporters. He added that New York is prepared to slide Josh Hart to center if needed, noting such a move would improve the club’s ability to switch defensively.
Brown also pointed out that frequent fouling could benefit New York because it accelerates the team’s path into the bonus. The Knicks attempted 30 free throws to the Hawks’ 19 in Game 1, in part because of the intentional fouls on Robinson.
Key players cleared for Game 2
• OG Anunoby (sprained ankle) will be available, according to the team. The 6’8” forward logged 18 points in 38 minutes Saturday and finished 10th in this season’s Defensive Player of the Year voting.
• Onyeka Okongwu is also set to play after being listed as questionable with knee inflammation. The Hawks’ big man supplied 19 points and hit four of six three-pointers in the opener, an important performance with fellow center Jock Landale sidelined.
Gueye’s role could expand
Atlanta leaned on rookie Mouhamed Gueye for 10.5 minutes off the bench in Game 1, and he held his ground defensively against Karl-Anthony Towns. With Okongwu nursing his knee, head coach Quin Snyder may need additional minutes from Gueye to bolster a thin frontcourt.
The Knicks lead the best-of-seven series 1-0 heading into tonight’s contest at Madison Square Garden.
Source: HoopsRumors
