Hawks Vs. Knicks: Jeremy Lin And New York Cruise To A 99-82 Win Over Atlanta

Jeremy Lin and Steve Novak each had 17 points as the New York Knicks (17-17) cruised to an easy 99-82 win over the Atlanta Hawks (19-14) at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night.

New York led by as much as 30 at one point, but Atlanta fought back to within 13. The Hawks outscored New York by quarter in both the third and fourth, but couldn't overcome the first half deficit. Jeff Teague led all Hawks scorers with 18 points, followed closely by Willie Green (16 points) and Josh Smith (13).

Atlanta will return home to Phillips Arena Thursday night for a two game homestand against the Magic and Bucks before the NBA All-Star break.

For more on this game Hawks fans should check out Peachtree Hoops while Knicks fans should stop by Poasting And Toasting. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head on over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page

The New York Knicks used a 14-0 run to close the first quarter and build a heavy halftime lead over the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 60-35. Jeremy Lin and Landry Fields both have 13 points for the Knicks.

Both teams have combined to turn the ball over 22 times in the first half, but the Knicks have out-rebounded Atlanta (26-16) and shot better from the floor (52 percent, compared to the Hawks' 35). Atlanta is also 0-for-9 from three point range.

Jeff Teague (10 points) and Josh Smith (9 points) lead the Hawks scoring attack. The Hawks have no points from forward Marvin Williams and center Zaza Pachulia, and just ten points off the bench this half.

For more on this game Hawks fans should check out Peachtree Hoops while Knicks fans should stop by Poasting And Toasting. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head on over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page

The Atlanta Hawks will close out the first half of the season with games on the road against the New York Knicks on Wednesday and the Orlando Magic on Thursday. With Joe Johnson potentially sitting out the All-Star game and three-point shootout (potentially replaced by Kevin Durant) will give the team an extended weekend to take off and get healthy.

Of course, with time off one can always ponder the possibilities, right? SB Nation's Tom Ziller released his MVP Rankings on Wednesday, and Thursday's contest will feature hometown hero Dwight Howard.

Since Dwight Howard has basically put his bid in to play for virtually every team in the NFL for next season, isn't there a real possibility that the Hawks could trade for No. 12? You have three players who could be moved in Johnson, Al Horford and Josh Smith, and the hometown hero could find things appealing in the ATL.

One can hope, right?

For more on this game Hawks fans should check out Peachtree Hoops while Knicks fans should stop by Poasting And Toasting. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head on over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Atlanta's five-game road trip mercifully comes to an end Wednesday night in New York against the Knicks. Of late the Hawks have been in the news for the wrong reasons. Player injuries and rumored discontent have dominated the headlines of late while the team has struggled to a 1-3 record on the current trip. Perhaps tonight's trip to New York is a blessing because everyone there is caught up in Linsanity and may not even notice the Hawks.

While Jeremy Lin has ignited the Knicks of late, the Hawks could deal them a major blow if they could hand New York its second straight loss since Carmelo Anthony returned to the lineup. New York dropped a 100-92 decision to New Jersey on Monday in Anthony's return from a groin injury. The Knicks are getting healthy and still trying to figure out how all of their pieces fit together.

Joe Johnson did not make the trip to New York and returned to Atlanta to have his ailing knee examined. Marvin Williams will return to the Hawks lineup tonight after sitting out Monday's loss while attending a funeral of a family friend.

Game date/time: Wednesday, February 22, 7:30 p.m. ET

Location: Madison Square Garden

TV: SportSouth

Radio: 680 The Fan, 93.7 FM

Online Streaming: NBA League Pass Broadband

For more on this game Hawks fans should check out Peachtree Hoops while Knicks fans should stop by Poasting And Toasting. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head on over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

It was reported earlier today that Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams wanted off the team and was requesting a trade. ESPN reported that Williams is unhappy with his playing time and his role with the Hawks.

However, according to the team's vice president of public relations, Williams never requested a trade.

The #Hawks just landed in NYC and had a convo with a very disappointed Marvin Williams, who while attending the funeral of a family friend, had to hear about his "reported" trade request. He vehemently denies ever asking for a trade and said, "you know that's not me".

Williams is averaging 9.6 points so far this season, which is the lowest points per game average since his rookie season in 2005. Since Joe Johnson isn't likely to play against the Knicks on Wednesday night due to knee tendinitis, Williams is expected to play after missing Monday's game for a funeral.

For more on the Hawks, head to Peachtree Hoops.

The Atlanta Hawks announced guard Joe Johnson is undergoing a MRI on his injured left knee, and that he'll be out for two games, instead of just one. That would mean no game against the New York Knicks or Orlando Magic, but it would mean he'd get more than an entire week's worth of rest, thanks to the All-Star Game. That's if he ends up not playing, at least, as Zach Klein reports is a possibility:

#hawks Joe Johnson is out next 2-gms w/sore left knee. Nothing is official, but I'm hearing he's pulling out of All-Star gm

— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) February 21, 2012

If Johnson were to sit, that could open the door for Josh Smith to make his first All-Star Game appearance. Johnson would also miss the Three-Point Contest and that one weird drill where old players and WNBA players also participate.

For more on the Hawks, visit Peachtree Hoops.

While it appears increasingly likely that the Atlanta Hawks will be without the services of All-Star SG Joe Johnson in their game Wednesday against the New York Knicks, SF Marvin Williams is expected back after missing Monday's game against the Chicago Bulls to attend a funeral in his home-town of Seattle:

#Hawks Updates: Joe Johnson is doubtful for tomorrow’s game against the Knicks due to left knee tendinitis. Marvin is expected to return.

— Atlanta Hawks (@atlanta_hawks) February 21, 2012

Williams, a 6'9 245 forward, is reportedly unhappy with his role in Atlanta's offense, but his length and athleticism should be helpful in a match-up against Carmelo Anthony.

In 28 games this season, the 25-year old is averaging 9.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 43% shooting.

Without Johnson, who has the size to play both wing positions, Williams could see his minutes increase, as he is currently averaging only 24 a game this year.

Atlanta Hawks forward Tracy McGrady met with management following his outburst Saturday night over his lack of playing time in a loss to Portland. McGrady reportedly sat down with Hawks coach Larry Drew and general manager Rick Sund to discuss the situation. Both sides emerged from the meeting vowing to move on.

"We talked. Players get frustrated. I was frustrated. We talked and ironed things out. Now, we move on."

McGrady played just under 22 minutes in Atlanta's loss on Monday to the Chicago Bulls. He finished with six points, five rebounds and three assists and the Hawks were +10 while he was on the floor. Atlanta played the game without regular starting small forward Marvin Williams but it was Willie Green and not McGrady that was inserted into the starting lineup.

Frustration is mounting for the Hawks who have lost seven of their last 10 games and with injuries mounting, they can ill afford any off the court distractions. At the same time, it is important for Larry Drew to outline, particularly to his veteran players, what their roles are going forward.

For more on Tracy McGrady and the Atlanta Hawks head on over to Peachtree Hoops. For more news and analysis from around the NBA check out SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.