Hawks Win Ugly, Go To Brooklyn Up 2-0
The Nets lost a chance to beat the Hawks and even the series because they missed a pull-up jumper. It’s that simple. They had the ball in their hands and a wide open shot they couldn’t get to go in the basket. It was one of those plays that either breaks your heart (if you’re the Nets), or has you leaping for joy (if you’re the Hawks). It’s true: the playoffs are truly about inches.
The Nets got a monster game out of Jarrett Jack. If Thabo Sefolosha was available they could have thrown him at Jack but it was left up to Dennis Schroder or a team defensive mix that was no match for Jack’s physicality and skill from the perimeter.
Post-game, Jack, the former Georgia Tech star, was nostalgic as he reflected on Atlanta being where his journey started. On his way to the arena, he intentionally took a route that cut through Georgia Tech just so he could be reminded of where he had come from and how far he had evolved. For his friends and family, who were at Phillips, he put on an explosive Jarrett Jack show with his dead on shooting that rarely rattled the net.
But, as efficient as Jack was, and he was particularly brilliant with the ball, especially his three that cut the Hawks lead to one, the game came down to the last possession of the Nets in which everything was on the line for the Hawks.
Apr 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) shoots over Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
If the Hawks lost this game after posting an 11 point fourth quarter lead, like clockwork, the critics of the Hawks would once again berate their construction, this team without size and without a superstar and without consistent inside play. The critics would start dismantling what the Hawks had built this year.
But, Deron Williams missed a wide open pull-up jumper, a shot he would have made when he was the old Deron Williams.
Of the shot, Paul Millsap said, “It’s nothing we did. A good player missing a good shot.” The miss enabled a Kyle Korver rebound with 8 seconds left and two free throws that iced the game and a 2-0 lead going into Brooklyn on Saturday night.
All of the drama of the 4th quarter, and the possibility of a Hawks near collapse, camouflaged early parts of the game that was like watching paint dry as both teams missed their share of shots, none more so than the Hawks who missed 55 shots in this game, shooting an agonizing 39%.
Rarely did the Atlanta Hawks look like a team that won 60 games. In their place were imposters, players who not only threw up bricks but who whiffed on layups, were impatient in offensive sets, were reckless and hurried, all things that in the regular season the Hawks rarely succumbed to.
It is the texture of this post-season and the pressure that follows the Hawks everywhere they go. Because they have beaten Brooklyn 6 times, they are supposed to win. Because they won 60 games, they are supposed to win. Because they have the Coach of the Year, they are supposed to win. The Hawks stir the drink in this series, whatever happens it is all about the Hawks.
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But credit Lionel Hollins and the Nets for their improved defensive energy. They were quicker to the ball, sharper in rotations and selectively willing to give up three point shooting as long as they defended in the paint. Often, the Hawks seemed confused by the Nets defense as they held the ball too long, nearly paralyzed with indecision until they had to make a play late in the shot clock.
In both games, the Hawks built a double digit fourth quarter lead only to see it disappear, giving the Nets ample opportunity to storm back. Post-game, Al Horford pointed to what has been a glaring weakness in these first two games, stomping on the Nets throat when they have them down.
Apr 19, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Scott (32) scores against Brooklyn Nets forward Earl Clark (55) during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Nets 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Part of tonight’s issue was the below average play from the Hawks bench that had 27 points on 32% shooting. The bench had 3 offensive rebounds, meaning 18 of the 21 missed shots were opportunities for the Nets.
Holding the Hawks together like glue was Paul Millsap who was particular pleased with his bounce back game and the fact that he could be productive without wearing the shoulder pad.
"“I felt good. I had been shooting the ball good in practice without the pad. The three point shot was working. I was open a lot. The guards penetrating got me easy buckets.”"
The point guard tandem of Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder, 28 points, 12 assists, was a clear advantage over the Nets who struggled defensively to stay in front and to not be overwhelmed by the quick hands of Teague and Schroder. Once again, the Hawks created 16 turnovers. However, Teague had 3 turnovers including a costly one in the fourth. But, as Paul Millsap noted, the game came down to the last possession.
"“Defense down the stretch did It. We forced them off the three point line. We held them to 91 points. That was a plus for us.”"