Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks: five takeaways from the win over the Kings

By Colby Giacubeno

Oct 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks players including forward Kent Bazemore (arms raised) react on the bench after defeating the Sacramento Kings at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Kings 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks players including forward Kent Bazemore (arms raised) react on the bench after defeating the Sacramento Kings at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Kings 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) controls the ball in front of Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Kings 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) controls the ball in front of Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Kings 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

A New, Welcomed Strength

One glaring weakness that haunted this Hawks team for the past couple season has been the rebounding category. In 2014-15, they finished 28th and finished 24th last season. Though it is still early in 2016-17, the Hawks rank sixth in rebounds per game with 47.7 and eighth in offensive rebounds per game with 12.7.

Last night, the Hawks outrebounded the Kings 44-38. They were relentless in crashing the offensive glass, especially Dwight Howard (7 off. rebounds) and Paul Millsap (5 off. rebounds).

A big reason why the Hawks signed Howard this offseason was because of their struggles on the glass with former center Al Horford. Howard’s 12.3 rebounds per game average and Millsap’s effort shown so far this season can be a clear indication that it will no longer be a weakness going forward.

It wasn’t just the big men being sure to grab boards.  Thabo Sefolosha was also making evident efforts at closing down the Kings’ possessions and and corralling the basketball for second-chance points opportunities. Sefolosha with six rebounds on the night.

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