The Brooklyn Lesson: No More Close Games

May 1, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap (4) controls the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. The Hawks defeated the Nets 111-87 to win the series 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets were facing elimination in their first round playoff matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. In Brooklyn, the Hawks did their part to expedite the process.

Leaving no more room for doubt, Atlanta took matters into their own hands, blitzing the Nets in a furious third frame to win 111-87 and move on to the second round. The Hawks are back in the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2011.

After three dismal scoring games, the offense slowly started getting better and better before culminating into a flurry of shots going in from all angles. Three starters (Paul Millsap, Kyle Korver, and DeMarre Carroll) each had at least 20 points and the team shot upwards of 50% from the field, including 13 three-pointers. It didn’t take long for the Brooklyn faithful to waive their free shirts like white towels as they quickly exited the Barclays Center.

The Hawks now set their sights on their next opponent, the Washington Wizards. Game 1 will be held early Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. The Hawks will need to copy this game for the rest of the post season. Let’s see how they eliminated the Nets.

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