Apr 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer talks with players during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
Execution Matters
When examining the offense it is also good to magnify what is working, as the Hawks can continue to produce instant offense. The following categories are broken down into the general points per game category, as the Hawks are ranked against the 16 active playoff teams. With Atlanta struggling to shoot, they have still won two playoff games. Let’s look at three designated areas dedicated to scoring:
- PTS OFF TO – 18.7 (2nd)
- FBs PTs – 17.7 (4th)
- PITP – 40 (12th)
- Points off turnovers – A combination of stout defense and careless basketball, is causing the Nets to commit 20 turnovers per game. The Hawks are making the most of this, accumulating 18.7 points every time this happens.
- Fast Break Points – Atlanta is making good use of their speed advantage, playing decent ball in transition. In the fast break scenario, Teague and company are accounting for 17.7 points per game so far this post season.
- Points in the Paint – After game one, it looked like the Hawks were going to get massacred in the paint. It certainly hasn’t been easy dealing with Brook Lopez, but all things considered, Atlanta is doing a good job. They are matching the Nets total with 40 points in the paint per game. The Hawks should continue to go after it in the painted area. This will show the Nets they won’t be intimated down low, taking away Brooklyn’s biggest weapon.
Next: Paul Millsap, MVP