Hawks vs. Nets: Gut Check Time
By Mitchell Kay
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
Assists, Assists, Assists
Ball rotation is an area that helps make the Hawks offense run like a well oiled engine. When the passes are flowing in succession, quality shot opportunities are often created.
During two of the three games played, Atlanta took less field goal attempts in the fourth quarter than in any of the other respective quarters through three games. During the most important quarter of the game, the Hawks are not only getting outscored, but taking less shots.
The Hawks also averaged less fourth quarter team assists in two out of the three games. In game three, they averaged four total team assists in both the third and fourth quarters which was too low. Below, you can see the field goals attempted, with the number of total team assists in fourth.
- Game 1 Atlanta: FGA 15 – Ast’d 3
- Game 2 Atlanta: FGA 19 – Ast’d 5
- Game 3 Atlanta: FGA 17 – Ast’d 4
What this data tells us is that the Hawks aren’t rotating the ball nearly as well as they can, especially in the fourth. This isn’t just a fourth quarter problem. The regular season saw the Hawks finish second behind Golden State with 25.7 assists per game. But in the playoffs, the Hawks Assist Percentage over three games is currently 54.5% (11th). This metric refers to the percentage of team field goals that were assisted. This is also lower than expected for this team.
Ball movement in the fourth quarter is clearly suffering. Atlanta and Golden State were the only two teams that collected 60 regular season wins or more. Both teams were ranked 1st (G.S) and 2nd (Atl) respectively in total team assists. This is more important than people realize. The dip in field goal percentage can be directly related to the reduction of passing.
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More passing equals better shot opportunities and more players involved in the offense. It is the Hawks bread and butter. During game two, Atlanta executed four touch passes around the perimeter before Mike Scott buried a triple. When Atlanta swings the ball in the half court set, it has looked very effective against the Nets defense.
Budenholzer and his troops need an insurgence of energy. Basketball is a game of runs. Offensively, Atlanta is due for one very soon as the team can be ignited by one good quarter. You just never know though, ATL can also stick with what’s working. They have done a good job exploiting some of Brooklyn’s weaknesses which have subsequently turned into offense. Let’s look at where the Hawks are having success on the offensive end.
Next: Easy Points