ATLANTA — The Knicks returned to State Farm Arena to face the Hawks for the first time in nearly six months after Atlanta spoiled their season in a one-sided playoff series that sent the Knicks into the offseason with an idea about improving their roster.
But the Knicks might have arrived Saturday with more questions than they left with in June. At that time it was a simple thought to add offensive firepower to a team desperately in need of it. But now, while the Hawks brought a seven-game winning streak into the meeting, surging up the standings, the Knicks landed in Atlanta banged up and maybe more confused about their direction than they were when last season ended.
Trae Young took them apart just as he had in the playoffs, pouring in 33 points. Julius Randle, after being shut down by the Hawks in the playoffs, struggled through an eight-point effort after a scoreless first half. But the bench again provided the energy, carrying the Knicks to a surprising 99-90 win.
