Game 2: Atlanta Hawks Grades & Reactions vs. Brooklyn Nets

Apr 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center

(11) and forward

(7) defend Atlanta Hawks guard

(17) as he drives to the basket during the third 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

With two games completed in this first round series against the Brooklyn Nets, the Hawks go chalk with a 2-0 lead but they’ll be the first to tell you that this Nets’ squad is no pushover.

For the second straight game Atlanta shot out fast but had trouble leaving their foe in the dust. Back and forth they fought but the team who they had beaten five straight times this season dug in and churned out the clutch plays to keep the game close. Atlanta takes their 96-91 win and two game lead to Brooklyn. Game 3 is slated for Saturday afternoon at 3 PM ET on TNT.

Jarrett Jack took the reins to try to steer his team towards a shocking upset. The back up point guard had 23 points and five rebounds and looked unflappable for good stretches of the game. The all-around play by Al Horford and a statement game from Paul Millsap (shoulder shirt and all), along with a huge defensive effort, silenced any semblance of a rally.

Before both teams fly out to New York, let’s stay grounded right here and take a look at the player grades and overall reactions.

Next: The Good