Five Lessons Learned From Hawks Win Over Clippers

The Atlanta Hawks’ annual California highway journey ended with a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday evening. The sport was removed from fairly, however a win is a win for Atlanta. Under are our 5 greatest takeaways from Sunday evening’s recreation.

First Half Hearth

Atlanta fell behind 9-2 to start out the sport however went on the whole their finest first half of the season. Because of uncharacteristically sizzling capturing matched with a stout defensive effort, Atlanta took a 66-52 lead into the break. The motion was capped off by a pair of dunks from John Collins and De’Andre Hunter.

Third Quarter Issues

As we’ve got seen so many instances earlier than this season, Atlanta blew their double-digit lead after halftime. Los Angeles performed their finest ball after the break, outscoring Atlanta 35-19 within the third quarter.

Atlanta instantly began settling for midrange photographs, solely trying two three-pointers (each misses) within the third quarter. To make issues worse, Marcus Morris Sr. scored 11 of his 15 factors within the interval.

Combat

The distinction between final evening and different disappointing video games was the struggle proven by Atlanta. Not solely did they give up the lead, however they fell behind by 11 factors within the fourth quarter and virtually misplaced management of the sport.

Trae Younger spearheaded Atlanta’s late comeback. The All-NBA level guard scored 14 of his 30 factors within the fourth quarter, together with making 7-7 free throw makes an attempt down the stretch. Final evening’s comeback can largely be attributed to the struggle proven by Younger.

Rebounds

Everybody expects Atlanta’s rebounding to take successful whereas Clint Capela is out. Nonetheless, Los Angeles dominated the boards 59-43 final evening. Even worse, they outrebounded Atlanta 21-7 on the offensive finish of the ground, therefore their 21-11 benefit on second-chance factors.

Sensible groups within the league are making a concerted effort at grabbing offensive rebounds. Maybe Hawks head coach Nate McMillan prefers his crew getting again on protection. Nonetheless, it’s one other space the place different analytically-friendly groups are veering in a distinct course than Atlanta.

Rotation

McMillan performed 9 gamers final evening, and the second unit performed exceptionally properly. They spurred the first-half run and seemed good all through the sport. Most notably, Jalen Johnson scored an environment friendly 13 factors and acquired loads of love from his teammates on the bench.

Moreover, Frank Kaminsky logged 11 of his finest minutes of the season. The veteran middle has been elevated into the rotation whereas Capela is out and didn’t disappoint, scoring 4 factors and grabbing 5 rebounds.