Defense Optional as Hawks Fall to Hornets 129-117

In a game where the defense could be described as lethargic at best, plenty of Hawks popped off for big nights, headlined by Taurean Prince.

Prince has been showing out in recent weeks, continuing a hot streak that started in late February. TP scored a team-high 22 points in this one to go along with 10 rebounds and 6 assists in a team-high 36 minutes. Taurean went 8 of 18 from the floor and 6 of 12 from deep.

The Prince That Was Promised looks as if he is putting it all together before our very eyes, as the fluidity and movement of his game looks to be the best it has ever been. His ballhandling is fluid and in-control, not quite like the herky-jerky, out-of-control player he was earlier in the season.

John Collins also had a strong game. Matched up against the behemothic presence of Dwight Howard (with shoulders the size of steamed hams), Collins managed to muscle up and tie a career-high with 21 points on an exceedingly efficient 7 of 10 shooting, including 2 of 3 from distance (both also career-highs).

Collins added 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in 28 minutes, and generally played well against the lumbering, Bunyan-esque figure of Howard.

JC’s three-point stroke continues to be a revelation in a terrific first season, and he looked very comfortable shooting all three of his corner 3s in this game. His second make was taken off the dribble via an inbounds pass. With Dwight loath to leave the paint, Collins stepped back, loaded up and swished his second 3.

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Dennis Schröder continues an all-around strong season, notching 17 points on 7 of 18 shooting with 8 assists in 26 minutes. Schröd had a nice back-and-forth going with Kemba early in this game, as the two squared off in the backcourt for much of this affair.

Tyler Dorsey, starting at shooting guard, logged 11 points on 4 of 9 shooting (3 of 6 from deep). Dorsey looked confident in his three-point jumper, as he should, and he splashed down 3 deep balls to go along with 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal.

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Off the bench, Damion Lee continues to impress. The newest Hawk, Lee looks ready to be signed to a longer-term deal, as his energy and shooting were big boons for Atlanta on this night. He also had this sweet drive for a layup that featured a stunning Eurostep:

Two days after scoring 13 points in his first career game, Lee one-upped himself by scoring 14 points on 5 of 8 shooting (3 of 5 from downtown). Lee’s shooting stroke definitely looks like it’s worthy of staying in the NBA for the foreseeable future, so let’s hope it’s with the Hawks. Lee also added 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in this tilt.

Isaiah Taylor logged 11 points on 4 of 8 shooting in 22 minutes along with 7 assists. Much of his damage scoring-wise was down late in the 4^th quarter when the game was pretty much out of hand, but his tight handle and steady backcourt stewardship is always appreciated.

Lastly, Tyler Cavanaugh, in only his second game back from a lengthy layoff nearly notched himself a double-double. In only 14 minutes of playing time, Cavanaugh notched 11 points and 8 rebounds. TC was welcomed back with open arms as his gritty playstyle led to numerous feisty rebounds on both ends.

It must be noted that the Hawks’ lack of size up front led to a parade of fouls trying to contend with Howard’s bulk – the three Atlanta bigs (Collins, Cavanaugh and Mike Muscala) combined for 14 personal fouls.

Next: How Did Current Hawks Fare in March Madness?

The Hawks return to action for the start of a six-game road trip against the Bucks in Milwaukee. Tipoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. EST.