The Latest Victory By The Atlanta Hawks Was An Inspirational Effort
The Atlanta Hawks’ victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday was impressive in a multitude of ways. How did they get it done?
On Thursday night the Atlanta Hawks played their seventh of sixteen nationally televised games this season, for what should be the city’s first of two humongous wins in Houston over the weekend. The Atlanta Falcons, who of course will play in just the franchise’s second Super Bowl this Sunday versus the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI, could learn a thing or two from the Hawks performance against the Rockets.
For his first return to the Toyota Center as a member of the Atlanta Hawks, where he played three seasons for the Houston Rockets, Dwight Howard set the tone early. He powered Mike Budenholzer’s team to an early 6-0 lead with a series of ally-oop dunks. As Howard scored 8 of the Hawks first 10 points on uncontested shots at the rim, he reminded everybody watching that the Rockets are coached by Mike D’Antoni, who is known for his lack of interest defensively.
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Houston would quickly catch up to Atlanta. however, taking a 15-13 lead midway through the first quarter. In a trend that would continue for the majority of the game, Atlanta shot a modest number of threes, going 3-for-7 from deep in the opening period. The Rockets, meanwhile, hoisted up a flurry of triples despite the troubles that they were having, making 3-of-12 for the quarter.
The fact that Budenholzer’s group gave up 32 points in the first 12 minutes, after jumping out to the early advantage, was very concerning. Though they were closing out and contesting their opponents attempts from behind the arc particularly well, Houston still managed to largely prosper offensively early in this contest. The Hawks are 18-3 this season during games that they have surrendered 100 points or less.
The Hawks wouldn’t go down without a fight.