Atlanta Hawks Grades: The Starters
Jeff Teague, B+
20 Points| 7-16 FG | 5-8 FT | 4 REB | 11 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK |
Made tough shots in the lane repeatedly in that final quarter to keep the score close, including a nice drive to put the Hawks back up at the two-minute mark. Had his hands full with a scorching D-Will on both ends and had high turnovers. One wonders if an extra session would have been necessary if three free throws weren’t left on the table late.
Kyle Korver, B
16 Points| 6-16 FG | 0-0 FT | 11 REB | 3 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |
Much better improvement than 1-8 in Game 3. The offense had schemes specifically molded around granting him looks and timely triples were considered a boost. Brooklyn needs to thank their stars skating on thin ice letting him take three straight attempts to tie the game in OT. Alas, all misfires, the last designed play being perfect, just rimming out.
DeMarre Carroll, A-
20 Points| 8-15 FG | 0-0 FT | 9 REB | 5 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
DeMarre had a great overall game and was especially deadly from deep (4-5). The great defense also made a better adjustment against Johnson, who shot under 33% for the game and had a tougher go of things on his fall away shot.
Paul Millsap, A-
16 Points| 7-14 FG | 1-2 FT | 12 REB | 4 AST | 3 STL | 3 BLK |
Had his usual stat sheet stuffing night. Monstrous performance in the painted area, altering shots and timely blocks were a big problem for the Brooklyn frontcourt. Unlucky recipient of some bad calls late, including the jump ball “hold”, and just ran out of time driving to the lane for the regulation winner attempt.
Al Horford, B
17 Points| 8-13 FG | 1-2 FT | 7 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
Efficient night of shooting the ball, but only played 31 total minutes in a game that went into overtime. Second half foul trouble forced him out of the floor for long stretches of the third and fourth quarter. When he got plugged in, the defense was more reserved in fear of fouling out. Liked his and Teague’s pick and pop game as a silver lining.
Next: Grades: The Bench