Soaring Down South
Fansided

Atlanta Hawks Year of 2016 in Review: Individual Performances

By Tyler Sellers

Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) react against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) react against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 10
Next
Dec 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Hawks won 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Hawks won 109-108. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Paul Millsap 12/19/2016 @ Oklahoma City Thunder

This game was important for the Hawks in terms of righting the ship following a stretch where they unfortunately lost eight of nine games. Going into the season, it was thought that the Thunder would flounder after losing Kevin Durant to free agency. After all, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game in OKC. That’s a lot to have to miss out on.

Oklahoma City could still boast that they remain the only organization for which Russell Westbrook plays for. Anytime that he takes the floor, it will be a long game for the opposition, as Westbrook has a competitive drive that is unparalleled. Of course, he is the most physically imposing point guard that the NBA has seen and is immensely talented. It’s because of Westbrook, mostly, that they have a winning record.

Since Dwight Howard was held out because of back stiffness, Paul Millsap knew that he had to be the man for the Hawks in this game. He actually had to play center, instead of his normal position of power forward, due to Howard’s absence. He helped his squad overcome a 46 point show from Westbrook, by contributing 30 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, and one block in 39 minutes. He connected on 12-of-18 field goals and 3-of-5 three pointers.

Atlanta kept the game close enough that they would have an opportunity to escape with a win. After Westbrook beat Schroder off of the dribble and made a jumper from the top of the key, it was Millsap that made the go-ahead basket. With the game tied at 108 and 32 seconds remaining, the Hawks ran a gorgeous play that set up what turned out to be the game winning shot from Millsap

Schroder casually brought the ball up the court, and then Millsap came up to run a pick and roll. As quickly as he screened Schroder’s man and took a few steps towards the rim, Dennis dumped the ball off to Korver on the left wing. By the time Korver had caught the pass, Millsap was there to run another pick and roll, this time with Kyle. Millsap rolled to one of his mid-range sweet spots, and Korver jumped as if he was going to shoot. While in the air, Korver dropped a pass to Millsap who got a clean look and knocked it down.

Atlanta went on to win what was a thriller of a game, 110-108. Millsap did not stake claim as the number one performance against elite competition because of any of his statistics. He earned this spot largely due to his successful go-ahead jumper with just 10 seconds to play. In years past, Paul and the Hawks have had issues converting in clutch situations. To see him actually step up and make a huge shot like that was a breath of fresh air.

Home/Hawks News