SB Nation Reacts: Hawks-Knicks primed for excitement

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Each week, we send out questions to the most plugged-in Atlanta Hawks fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to join Reacts.

The Atlanta Hawks had plenty of opportunities to steal Game 2 against the New York Knicks. However, the Hawks ultimately fell short by a nine-point margin, shifting the series back to State Farm Arena in a 1-1 tie. While Hawks observers undoubtedly wanted to get greedy with a pair of wins at Madison Square Garden, there is plenty of nationwide excitement for the Hawks-Knicks series, which is backed up in the latest poll results from SB Nation Reacts.

30 percent of fans around the country believe the Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers series is the best of the group. From there, though, Hawks-Knicks is the next most popular choice, with 21 percent of the vote.

Part of the upward trajectory in the 2021 NBA Playoffs from an entertainment standpoint stems from the larger crowds. As an example, Madison Square Garden was lauded for its raucous atmosphere in the first two games, with Trae Young famously quieting the Knicks faithful with stellar play.

According to the latest SB Nation Reacts survey, more than 50 percent of fans around the country said the inclusion of fans has significantly improved the viewing experience, only 16 percent said it hasn’t improved the experience at all.

Lastly, fans were polled on which playoff teams best display the characteristics of a successful squad. 26 percent of fans believe the Suns best display the characteristics of a successful team. Only one percent of fans picked the Hawks, with Atlanta finishing outside the top five.

To vote in the Reacts surveys and have your voice heard each week, sign up here.