Five Lessons Learned from Hawks Loss to Raptors

Final evening the Toronto Raptors blew out the Atlanta Hawks 139-109. Not solely was it the Hawks’ second straight loss, however the group confirmed indicators of regressions on each ends of the ground.

Fortunately, the common season is a marathon, and there’s loads of time for Hawks head coach Nate McMillan to work on what ails his group. Beneath are our 5 greatest takeaways from final evening’s recreation.

Turnovers

Coming into final evening’s recreation, the Hawks averaged 11.7 turnovers per recreation which was the very best within the NBA. Nevertheless, the Raptors borrowed a web page from the Miami Warmth playbook and loaded up on protection.

The Hawks turned the ball over 18 instances, ten of which have been from Trae Younger (a career-high in common season video games). Whereas among the uncharacteristic turnovers may be chalked as much as a nasty evening, changes have to be made, so we do not get one other repeat efficiency.

Shot Weight loss plan

Brad Rowland of the Locked on Hawks podcast tweeted some discouraging stats this morning. The Hawks are final within the NBA in three-point makes an attempt per recreation (28.6) however lead in two-point makes an attempt per recreation (62.9). 

We’ve got identified earlier than how the Hawks shoot extra midrange photographs than another group within the league. It is true that you may take the photographs your opponents offer you, however within the fashionable NBA, math issues.

Free Throws

Hawks head coach Nate McMillan frequently chastises his group for deciding on offense. That’s obvious by the variety of instances the Hawks get to the foul line. As of this morning, they’re bottom-three within the league in free-throw makes an attempt per recreation (21.6).

Protection

Do not look now, however the Hawks are twenty fifth in defensive ranking (115.4). Atlanta’s entrance workplace spent the summer season revamping the roster to make it extra versatile and defensive-minded. They even introduced in assistant coach Mike Longabardi to function the defensive coordinator. Sadly, the early returns aren’t promising.

Hawks Bench

We are going to finish at this time on a barely extra constructive be aware. The Hawks bench performed higher than the starters. Onyeka Okongwu led the way in which with eight factors and 5 rebounds off the bench. Nevertheless, the backup middle injured his left shoulder within the second half. We are going to maintain you up to date as we be taught extra about Okongwu’s damage.

Advisable For You

5 Scariest Moments in Hawks Historical past

Revisiting the Mike Budenholzer Teaching Tree

Oral Historical past: Kobe Bryant’s Final Sport in Atlanta