MUST READ: 2021 Playoffs: Hawks Vs Knicks - After 3 Games

Randle loves to go right before pulling up for a jumper around the free throw area. Naturally, it's easier to go in the direction of your weak hand then pull up since you don't have to align your body toward the hoop nearly as much compared to dribbling in the direction of your dominant hand. Anyway, he's been horrible this series and it isn't just because he's missing shots. One thing Atlanta is doing to slow him down is forcing Julius baseline when he's at the left or right wing (not the corner) so he'll meet an extra defender who's waiting near the block if he drives. Therefore, Randle either has to shoot with essentially 2 guys guarding him or pick up his dribble then pass out of a double team. This is why he hasn't been able to shoot his signature shot as often as he needs to. If he and RJ (the Knicks 2 best players) continue to struggle mightily, the Knicks will have a slim chance of winning this series. Despite the Hawks strategy, I'm still sticking with my original prediction of Knicks in 7 since these teams are basically just as good as each other. In fact, this is the most evenly matched series in the 1st round especially because they both finished with the same record.

Also, the Knicks should really consider trapping Trae in the pick & roll consistently because he's destroying them with floaters and lobs. I'm not confident that his supporting cast is good enough to win a series playing 4 on 3. Keep in mind that the 2018 Pacers lost in Round 1 primarily because the Cavs did this to Oladipo.