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Atlanta Hawks: 5 Key Games That Fans Should Watch in 2018-19

By Zackery Rogers

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks pose for a photo during the 2018 NBA Rookie Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks pose for a photo during the 2018 NBA Rookie Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks John Collins
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 2: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Atlanta Hawks @ Golden State Warriors, November 13th

Playing at Golden State is a huge game for this young Hawks team. This game will be the second nationally televised game for Atlanta (on NBA TV, mind you). What better way to evaluate your team than by playing the defending NBA champions?

Atlanta’s front office should be excited for this matchup considering that they are following the Warriors’ blueprint of success, with Hawks GM Travis Schlenk served as the former Golden State Warriors’ assistant general manager. Since joining the Hawks, Schlenk has constructed a roster that consists of three-point shooting, ballhandling, bench depth and athleticism.

Of course, there is still work to be done, but the roster is structured similarly to the Warriors. Lin is a 6-foot-3 guard that can distribute the ball, shoot effectively and lead a team. Young may lack height, but he is a prolific scorer and has the ability to handle the rock. Coupled with Lin and Young the Hawks front office drafted Huerter who is a 6-foot-7 guard.

Schlenk drafted Collins who has the potential to be the best player on the Hawks this season. Also, Schlenk inherited Prince whose game may remind you of Tayshaun Prince but with a better jumpshot (no relation).

Think about it: Stephen Curry is 6-foot-3 can shoot the ball lights-out, Klay Thompson is 6-foot-7 and can score from anywhere. In addition to the Splash Brothers, they have Green who leads on defense and can play on both sides of the ball. All three players were drafted over a period of time. The rest of the team comes from free agency.

Nevertheless, playing the Warriors on national television will serve as a building block for a young team. Playing in prime time can either help or hurt a team on the rise.

Seeing Young face off against Curry, Thompson and Pat McCaw will be epic. Also, Huerter will be tested as he is guarded by Thompson, Green or Andre Iguodala.

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