Game 3: Atlanta Hawks Grades & Reactions vs. Brooklyn Nets

Apr 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) races to the basket after a turnover by Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) during second half in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. The Brooklyn Nets won 91-86.

Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The Good:

• I may be reaching for straws here but the defense again looked great. With the sputtering offense plaguing us, the great defense seems to have taken a back seat. Brooklyn has put up totals of 92, 91, and 91 over these first three games; Atlanta stingy on the corner traps and forced steals in the paint. Tonight Brooklyn also shot sub-40% for the game and Atlanta took full advantage of their miscues in the transition game. In the moments the pace was pushed, the Hawks held a sizable 25-2 advantage on fast break points, showcasing their lightning quickness on both ends of the floor and finishing for buckets. If they can control the tempo for longer, they’ll be worlds better next game.

Next: The Bad