The Hawks’ Clint Capela — who did not play in the regular season finale because of some soreness in his left Achilles — finished the season as the league’s top rebounder with 14.3 boards per game.

The 26-year-old Atlanta center is the first Hawk to lead the league in the stat in more than two decades. Dikembe Mutombo led the 1999-2000 season with 14.1 rpg.

Capela, who was acquired via trade last season from Houston, made being in the conversation as one of the league’s best defenders a goal this year.

“I think I’m definitely one of the best at doing it. … I feel that I’m playing the best defense of my career this season, yes, simply because I feel the guys give me the confidence to do so,” he said in April.

Capela ranked first in the NBA in total rebounds per game (14.3), first in offensive rebounds (297) and fifth in defensive boards (606) — all career-high marks. He was third in the league with 2.0 blocks per game — also a career high.

His 26.1% total rebound rate is the team’s best since Dwight Howard in 2016-17.

The Hawks are making their first postseason trip since the 2016 season. They face the Knicks first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

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Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin dribbles away from Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Cleveland. (David Dermer/AP)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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