Capela's versatility helps Hawks eliminate Knicks

Capela sends Knicks home Clint Capela backed up his trash talk with a Game 5 performance against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden that showcased his versatility, especially around the rim. Todd Kirkland / Getty

Capela goes to work in 1st half 💪 NBA @NBA Capela's 1st half: 12 PTS | 9 REB | 2 BLK | 5-5 FGM @ATLHawks up 5 at halftime on TNT.. a win sends them to the East Semis 🔥 Jun 2

Rim protector The Hawks big man feasted inside when matched up against Taj Gibson and Nerlens Noel, while he also regularly stifled other Knicks players' drives with his defensive length. Pool / Getty

Capela rises up for block 🚫 Steve Jones Jr. @stevejones20 Clint Capela's weakside help and paint presence has been *huge* for Atlanta. This is exactly what you want to see from RJ Barrett. Attacks Gallinari, beats him, gets in the paint. Capela erases it. Don't have a big that can take him out of the paint. Jun 2

As efficient as it gets The Hawks center connected on all five of his first-half field goal attempts to go along with a pair of free throws in 18 minutes. PTS 12 REB 9 OREB 3 BLK 2 FG% 100 +/- 21 Brock Williams-Smith / Getty

“ We're coming to your home to win this game again and send you on vacation. Capela's strong words for Knicks before Game 5 (NBA.com) Logan Riely / Getty

Next up: Philadelphia The Hawks face off against the 76ers in a highly anticipated Round 2 showdown. Capela will have his hands full trying to contain Joel Embiid, so long as the MVP candidate can play through a small meniscus tear. Nathaniel S. Butler / Getty

Tough matchup ahead? Capela's stats in three regular-season games versus 76ers PTS 10.7 REB 11.3 BLK 1.0 FG% 36.1 Kent Smith / Getty