Following an unexpected upswing in their performance after Trae Young’s injury announcement, where the Hawks convincingly won the first two games, their recent encounters against the Brooklyn Nets have marked a noticeable downturn.
Their latest 114-102 loss isn’t just a number. It reflects persisting issues that haven’t been addressed since their previous game. Despite avoiding a blowout similar to Thursday’s game, the Hawks exhibited significant struggles, particularly in their offensive plays and three-point defense.
These problems and an inability to dominate in three-point shooting cast a shadow over their gameplay. As they gear up for Tuesday’s showdown with the Knicks, the absence of momentum is palpable, and the air is thick with apprehension about the challenges ahead.
1. A Missed Opportunity: The Hawks’ Recent Games Slip Through Their Fingers
The Hawks have been languishing in the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference. A position they have held with a sense of frustrating permanence. Entering the crucial back-to-back games against the Brooklyn Nets, they held a seemingly comfortable four-game lead. However, this lead has alarmingly dwindled to just two games following their consecutive losses.
More worrying for the Hawks is losing the season series to the Nets, handing Brooklyn the critical tiebreaker advantage. Victory in both games would have extended their lead over the Nets to an unassailable six games and secured them the season series, effectively eliminating Brooklyn from contention for their spot. Even a single win would have maintained their four-game buffer.
With a challenging schedule on the horizon for the Hawks and the Nets showing real ambition, the race for the last play-in tournament spot is intensifying. This situation certainly influences the Hawks betting odds. They face an uphill battle to secure their position in the postseason.
2. Three-Point Shooting: How the Nets Dominated From Beyond the Arc
One of the pivotal factors that led to the Hawks’ recent downfall was the disparity in three-point shooting performance. Comparing the stats, it wasn’t as stark a contrast as in their Thursday night debacle, but the Brooklyn Nets still outperformed Atlanta significantly from beyond the arc. The Hawks converted 11 out of 34 three-point attempts, trailing behind the Nets, who had a more efficient night, making 15 out of 32 attempts.
This discrepancy highlights a broader issue plaguing the Hawks’ offense, particularly in the absence of Trae Young. Without Young’s dynamic playmaking and threat on the court, the Hawks struggle to create and capitalize on high-quality three-point opportunities.
3. Stellar Performances by Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson Seal Victory for Brooklyn
In Brooklyn’s triumph over Atlanta, two Nets players stood out for their exceptional performances, ensuring the victory was well-secured. Fresh off a remarkable game against Atlanta on Thursday, Cam Johnson continued his impressive streak with a 23-point effort on Sunday. Notably efficient, Johnson shot 4-7 from beyond the arc, showcasing his lethal accuracy from three-point land.
However, the spotlight firmly belonged to Mikal Bridges during Sunday’s contest. Following a sensational 38-point performance against the Hawks earlier in the season, Bridges terrorized Atlanta’s defense again. His stat line was outstanding, with 14-26 shooting from the field and a 5-10 mark from three-point range. Bridges’ comprehensive dominance on the floor was undeniable, making him the game’s standout player by a significant margin.
Conclusion
The Hawks’ recent 114-102 setback against the Brooklyn Nets underscores a season fraught with inconsistencies and struggles to maintain momentum. Despite flashes of brilliance and resilience, particularly in the immediate aftermath of Trae Young’s injury, the team finds itself at a precarious juncture.
The loss to Brooklyn not only jeopardizes their play-in tournament hopes but also highlights critical weaknesses that need addressing, from three-point shooting to defensive lapses. The performances of Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson for Brooklyn have further exposed Atlanta’s vulnerabilities.
The Hawks must regroup and refocus, leveraging the lessons from these defeats to strengthen their gameplay. The road to the playoffs remains challenging. With strategic adjustments and a unified team effort, the Hawks have the potential to overcome these hurdles and secure their spot in the postseason.
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