Atlanta Hawks Headlines: Preparing For Game 2
Atlanta Hawks Headlines returns with a focus on Game 2 of Atlanta’s playoff series against the Washington Wizards.
Atlanta Hawks Headlines is back and it’s game day. The Atlanta Hawks are set to take on the Washington Wizards in Game 2 of their first round playoff series. Game 1 went as expected. The Wizards won in a close, physical battle.
John Wall exploded for 32 points and Washington won 114-107. Now it’s time for the adjustments to start! As series’ progress, the chess game starts to emerge. Yes, there are matchups on the floor; John Wall vs. Dennis Schroder, Paul Millsap vs. Markieff Morris, Dwight Howard vs. Marcin Gortat, etc.
The real battle may be Mike Budenholzer vs. Scott Brooks. Can Budenholzer use strategy to overcome Washington’s significant talent advantage? We’ll have to wait and see. Until then, let’s take a look at what the world has to say about the Hawks.
From Soaring Down South 4/18/2017
Soaring Down South’s NBA Awards Roundtable
The Soaring Down South staff got together to hand out some awards. There was some variety in the choices made. Some writers went with Russell Westbrook for MVP, some chose Kawhi Leonard. Rookie of the Year came down to Malcolm Brogdon, Joel Embiid, and Dario Saric. Feel free to yell at everyone in the comments about why their choices are wrong.
Things The Atlanta Hawks Could Do Better In Game 2
Xavier Cooper takes a look at few things the Hawks can improve on in Game 2 against the Wizards. Defending the pick and roll, closing out on shooters, and matching Washington’s toughness are just a few things they could do better.
The Atlanta Hawks’ Game 1 Mistakes are Fixable
Jerell Rushin writes that the mistakes the Hawks made in Game 1 are fixable. This series is not over by any means. With a few adjustments, Atlanta could claw their way back into this series. Shutting down John Wall should be the top priority.
Atlanta Hawks To Pick 19th In 2017 NBA Draft
The NBA announced the tiebreakers for the 2017 NBA Draft on Tuesday afternoon. The Atlanta Hawks will pick 19th in the first round of June’s draft.
From Around the Web 4/18/2017
Locked on Hawks podcast: Pre-Game 2 Crossover with Locked on Wizards
On Locked on Hawks, Brad Rowland previews Game 2 of Hawks-Wizards by speaking with Ben Standig of Locked on Wizards. They discuss reasons why both fan-bases should be encouraged or discouraged by Game 1, Dwight Howard’s impact on the series, Thabo Sefolosha‘s exclusion from Atlanta’s rotation, and more.
Atlanta Hawks: 3 Takeaways From Game 1 Loss To Wizards
From April 17th, Brendan Gaella of Hoops Habit provides three takeaways from Atlanta’s Game 1 loss to the Wizards. Gaella mentions Atlanta’s third quarter struggles, their turnover problems, and failed lineup adjustments.
‘It Wasn’t The Same’: What Split Up The Hawks’ Famous Starting Five
Also from a few days ago, but still worth your time, Jake Fischer at The Crossover writes on the beloved Hawks starting five from the 2014-15 season. The article details how all five eventually ended up in different Eastern Conference cities. The only player remaining in Atlanta is Paul Millsap.
Playoff stage not too big for Prince
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes on Taurean Prince and how he isn’t phased by the bright lights of the NBA postseason. Prince is just a rookie, but he plays with the poise of a seasoned veteran.
Next: Wizards Set The Tone In Physical Game 1
Atlanta Hawks Headlines will be back tomorrow with reaction to Game 2.