Hawks vs Nets Preview: Adjustments Are Needed (Video)
By Mitchell Kay
Apr 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) celebrates his team
Paul Millsap the X Factor
Paul Millsap got back down to business in game two and truly showcased just how lethal of a weapon he can be. The versatile power forward scored 17 points and drained four triples, all while staying perfect from the land beyond the arc in this one.
His performance may have changed the landscape of the series after witnessing the damage he did as a stretch four. The difference was the spacing. At 6’8″ 235 pounds, Millsap punishes defenders in the paint, but can get out and do damage elsewhere. The Hawks should continue to allow Millsap the freedom to play inside and outside the paint.
Playing away from the painted area, at times, also sucks defenders out of the area, giving Horford more room to work one on one. A roaming Millsap makes Budenholzer’s offense extremely potent. The Nets aren’t always equipped to defend Millsap and the Hawks should exploit this.
Millsap who is an excellent passer, only had two assists in game two. One of them likely helped them win the game. The former second round pick was out on the three point line when the Hawks were rotating the ball. Because he had been converting from there, the defense turned, shifting the focus to Millsap. He elected to send a hard touch pass near the right block. DeMarre Carroll made one of the easiest baskets of his life. It was the nail in the coffin for the Nets. That folks, is an example of how spacing makes things so much easier for the offense.
Next: Attacking the Paint