Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela did his best Dikembe Mutombo impression, complete with iconic finger wag, against Knicks forward Julius Randle in Game 3.
Clint Capela and the Atlanta Hawks enjoyed their Game 3 victory over the New York Knicks to the fullest.
Back in Atlanta for the first time in the series, the Hawks didn’t give New York much of a chance. They had a nine-point lead at halftime and had an advantage as large as 18.
When you’re having that kind of game in the NBA Playoffs, you get to celebrate every moment.
When you’re Capela and slam home a dunk on one end, then swat a Julius Randle shot on the other end, you are well within your rights to flash the classic Dikembe Mutombo finger wag.
Mutombo would have every reason to tip his cap to that one. Any hopes of a miracle comeback for New York were pretty much dashed in that moment.
Clint Capela and the Hawks got the better of Julius Randle and the Knicks
The Hawks didn’t need a heroic performance from Trae Young to get a win this time around. The entire starting five scored in double digits, along with Danilo Gallinari and Kevin Huerter off the bench. Young led the way with 21 points and 14 assists, while Capela finished with 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks.
It was the ideal homecoming for Atlanta.
The Knicks needed more from Randle, who carried them during the regular season but was roasted on Twitter for his Game 3 performance. He hit just 5-of-15 field goals, tallying 14 points and 11 rebounds. It was Derrick Rose who took control with 30 points on 13-of-21 shooting, including 3-of-5 three-point attempts. His efforts were enough to close the gap, though he continues to turn back the clock as a playoff force.
The Hawks now control the series at 2-1, with Game 4 in Atlanta coming up on Sunday.