The Atlanta Hawks entered Friday night time’s matchup towards the Charlotte Hornets as slight underdogs. Whereas it’s normally surprising to see the league’s worst workforce anticipated to win, it was comprehensible on this case.

Not solely had Atlanta performed poorly as of late, however they have been with out three starters (Dejounte Murray, John Collins, and Clint Capela). However, Atlanta appeared good for many of the recreation. Beneath are our 5 largest takeaways from Atlanta’s 125-106 win.

Third Quarter

Atlanta nearly put collectively an entire recreation. They took a 16-point lead into halftime, however Charlotte stormed again to inside two factors midway by the third quarter. 

After the sport, Nate McMillan critiqued his workforce for sloppy play and hesitating on offense in the course of the third quarter. Nonetheless, Atlanta was capable of proper the ship with a 20-4 run that went into the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Offense

Atlanta is among the worst-shooting groups within the league – particularly from behind the three-point line. That was not the case final night time, as Atlanta shot 54.7% from the sector and 51.7% from three. 

Maybe much more promising, they have been attacking Charlotte’s protection. Atlanta made 28-34 free throws, which is 13 makes an attempt greater than the workforce’s common. 

Bogdan Bogdanovic

One of many foremost the reason why Atlanta’s capturing splits appeared so good was due to Bogdan Bogdanovic. Since getting back from knee surgical procedure, Bogdanovic is capturing a scorching 42.6% from three.

Throughout final night time’s decisive win, Bogdanovic scored 28 factors, together with 7-10 made three-pointers. Bogdanovic’s worth to Atlanta can’t be overstated.

Trae Younger

Trae Younger continues to work his manner out of a droop. Younger bought off to a scorching begin final night time, tallying 14 factors and 5 assists with no turnovers in the course of the first quarter. Younger completed the sport with 31 factors and 9 assists.

Taking pictures 8=18 from the sector and 2-5 from deep is not price writing residence about, however it’s a step in the best path. Plus, Younger pressured his approach to the road a number of occasions, pulling down 13-14 makes an attempt.

Hornets Dysfunction 

For a workforce that has gone to 2 straight Japanese Convention Play-In Tournaments, Charlotte seems to be fully dysfunctional. On Wednesday night time, Hornets coach Steve Clifford went viral for his post-game remarks.

After final night time’s recreation, I perceive Clifford’s frustration. Charlotte doesn’t play protection, and the ball motion is missing on offense. As a substitute of attacking Atlanta’s depleted entrance court docket, Charlotte settled for 43 three-point makes an attempt (11 greater than the workforce common).