Playoff Roundtable: Atlanta Hawks-Brooklyn Nets Preview
By Adam McGee
Apr 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) shows emotion against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Knicks defeated the Hawks 112-108. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Who is the most important player in this series for the Hawks?
Adam McGee (@AdamMcGee11): I’m going to go with Korver. The Nets are average defensively, and as has been highlighted in the regular season series between the teams, they find the Hawks’ brand of offense tricky to contain.
If they can get Kyle going, creating space not only for himself, but for his teammates too, the Nets will fold under Atlanta’s blur of ball and player movement.
Valerie Morales (@val_82games): I think Dennis Schröder will have a huge impact if he gets over his nerves of being an integral piece of a playoff team. I expect Teague, Millsap and Horford to do their thing. But when they are on the bench Schröder has to run things.
Can he continue his very good year and keep the Nets off balance while the starters rest?
Connor Renfro (@RenfroConnor): Al Horford.
Mitchell McEver (@KorverDPOY): Al Horford. Brook Lopez has played his best basketball of the season after the All-Star break and someone will need to contain him.
Nolan Keatley (@njkeatley): Based on individual matchups, I’m going to have to say Al Horford. The Hawks have a big advantage in guard play by a considerable margin. Teague can outwork and outrun Deron Williams, who is a shell of his glory days with Utah.
I believe the key will be inside, trying to contain the Nets most efficient offensive threat in Brook Lopez. Lopez, who had recently won back to back Eastern Conference Player of the Week awards, has incredible patience and touch around the rim. Limiting him by disrupting entry passes and containing switches could freeze the Brooklyn offense to shoot more from deep, where they rank 26th in three-point percentage at a paltry 33.1%.
Horford has been the offensive juggernaut when it comes to the Nets too. In his last three versus Brooklyn, he’s averaged 21.3 ppg while shooting an automatic 67% from the field. Add to the fact that he missed out on last years playoff series, he’ll be itching to produce big numbers this go-around.
Next: What adjustments should Budenholzer make for the Playoffs?