Game Preview: Sacramento Kings at Atlanta Hawks
New Identities
Just like the Hawks have taken on a new look personnel wise with the addition of Howard and promoting Dennis Schroder to the starting point guard position, the Kings new head coach Dave Joerger is attempting to change the identity of a Kings team that is acclimated to failure.
There are still times where the Kings revert back to their hectic ways offensively and try to get back into games with one-on-one sets. Joerger commented on this problem:
"“There is still some times when we struggle, when we revert to playing isolation basketball,” the coach said. “What happens is we try to dribble into crowds and then we end up with no play. It just takes time.”"
The Kings proved that they are starting to handle adversity well under Joerger’s watch. Their one win over Minnesota this season came after trailing by as much as 18 points, but the Kings were able to pull it out 106-103. For the Hawks, it means if they’re able to get out to a big lead, it’ll be important to keep their foot on the gas pedal and not get complacent offensively.
The new identity of the Hawks has seemed to transition well. Despite Howard not being able to handle the ball like Horford on the perimeter, Budenholzer has been putting him in plenty of on-ball screen situation that seem to open up countless options.
A perfect example of how Howard demands so much attention off PNR's. Forces Nicholson to help=Millsap 3.https://t.co/eAOfb6zMeW
— Colby Giacubeno (@ColbyGHoops) October 30, 2016
No matter how well teams try and prepare to defend Howard in these situations, the Hawks have a counter whether it be shooters sitting on the perimeter or the ball-handler with a free look at the basket off of the penetration.
Both teams have seen success with their “new identities.” Something has to give when they face off against each other Monday night.