The Atlanta Hawks saw their 13-game home winning streak snapped Monday night, and head coach Quin Snyder pointed to small breakdowns that proved decisive in a 108-105 loss to the New York Knicks.
“Thought was kind of like the main takeaway from just how close everything was in terms of gameplay,” Snyder said after the game at State Farm Arena. “There were a number of plays where we had what I would probably call breakdowns or mistakes. If we eliminate those, we’re in a lot better place.”
The contest remained tight throughout, but Snyder emphasized that several defensive lapses prevented Atlanta from controlling the game.
“Giving up an and-one, not fouling when we have an opportunity to foul, offensive rebounds, things like that,” Snyder said. “If we made those plays, we have a chance to even extend the lead and really control the game.”
The Hawks also struggled to match the physicality of New York late in the fourth quarter.
“I thought down the stretch their physicality played a role with our execution,” Snyder said. “We’ve been very good in those situations, but tonight was a little different game.”
Atlanta had not been in many late possession battles recently, something Snyder acknowledged while evaluating the finish.
“We haven’t been in a lot of possession games like that,” he said. “We broke down in some areas that you don’t need to overanalyze, and we’ll learn from that.”
The Hawks led 57-53 at halftime behind a strong start from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who finished with 36 points.
Snyder noted that missed opportunities earlier in the game added pressure late.
“There was a stretch where we really got some good looks and we didn’t convert,” Snyder said. “Then it makes those possessions even more important.”
Atlanta also played without injured center Jock Landale, forcing adjustments in the frontcourt against Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
“Jock has been an important part of our team,” Snyder said. “I put Tony in a really difficult position tonight in the first quarter and did the same thing with Mo having him guard Mitchell Robinson. That’s not the way we’ve used him.”
Despite the loss, Snyder framed the late-game tension as valuable experience with the postseason approaching.
“This is our postseason right now in my mind,” Snyder said. “With only three games to play, every possession is important.”
Atlanta still received strong production from Jalen Johnson, who recorded 21 points and 11 rebounds for his 48th double-double of the season.
Snyder said he remains confident in Johnson’s development, particularly when facing smaller defenders in the post.
“I like what he’s done for us,” Snyder said. “He’s continued to improve in those situations, whether the double team comes or not. I’m confident in him making the right read.”
In the closing seconds, the Hawks nearly forced overtime when CJ McCollum banked in a half-court attempt, but replay showed the ball remained in his hands after the horn.
For Snyder, the result reinforced the thin margin in late-season games.
“Being on the court in those competitive moments, we just have to be more focused,” Snyder said. “I think we will and can.”
