Soaring Down South
Fansided

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 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) controls a rebound defended by Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Wizards 114-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) controls a rebound defended by Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Wizards 114-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Getting Howard Touches

One of the big questions surrounded the Howard signing was how Budenholzer would feature him within the offense. In years past, all five players would be perimeter based and were expected to handle the ball from anywhere on the floor. With Howard, he has limitations (to put it nicely).

Anyways, the Hawks were making it a point to pound the ball into Howard last night in halfcourt sets. Whether it was high-low passes from Muscala or Millsap, lobs from Schroder or Malcolm Delaney, or just a simple post-entry from the wing, Howard was getting the ball.

Of his 45 total touches, 12 were post touches and 9 were in the paint. Not only were the Hawks trying to get Howard involved simply to keep him engaged, but he also had the glaring mismatch with Kosta Koufos matching up on him. DeMarcus Cousins was forced to guard Millsap in hopes that he could stay in front on penetration.

Keeping Howard involved is imperative in order to keep him active on the glass and blocking shots. As seen by the numbers, Howard’s involvement carried over into the defensive end as he blocked four shots and pulled down 11 boards.

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