Things The Atlanta Hawks Could Do Better In Game 2
Game 1 of the Wizards-Hawks series is in the books. Unfortunately, the Atlanta Hawks came up short 114-107. They have an opportunity to win Game 2. But the Hawks have to make some major adjustments first.
Sunday’s loss against the Washington Wizards wasn’t an embarrassing one. But it was avoidable, had the Atlanta Hawks done the small things right. Of course, coughing up the ball was the biggest problem for the Hawks
They ended the game with 19 turnovers to a team that ranked No. 3 in the league at forcing turnovers. The Wizards have fed on that all season long. Washington plays at a fast pace to begin with, so turning the ball over allows them to play at the pace they want.
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The good thing about the Hawks is that they too are known to cause turnovers. They should utilize that tool in Game 2.
The Hawks are the team most known for their defense out of the two, but the Wizards won in every defensive category except rebounding on Sunday afternoon.
Atlanta only allowed opponents to score 104 points per game in the regular season. The Wizards exceeded that number by 10 points Sunday afternoon. The Hawks have to make their mark on the defensive end next game.
One obvious way the defense can improve is playing Thabo Sefolosha. There is no reason that one of Atlanta’s best one-on-one defenders should be sitting on the bench when the Hawks are going up against one of the best backcourts in the league.
Sefolosha has the ability to guard John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter Jr.. Not only is he good on the defensive end, but he’s one of the veterans on the Hawks who has experienced the playoffs multiple times. This is a guy who has a certain basketball IQ that Dennis Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Taurean Prince haven’t yet developed.
When three young and inexperienced players are in heavy rotation, experienced players are needed in case things go astray. Playing Thabo next game would make a huge difference.
Last but not least, the Hawks allowed the Wizards to move the ball well. Washington had 28 assists compared to Atlanta’s 18. The Wizards ranked top 10 in assists coming into the postseason. The Atlanta Hawks also ranked top 10 in that category. The Hawks are known to share the ball. Its in their DNA. Next game, they have to play some old-fashioned “Bud Ball” and get everyone involved.
Next: Wizards Set The Tone In Physical Game 1
If the Hawks tweak the things listed above, they’ll have a chance to take away the Wizards’ home court advantage.