Atlanta Hawks: 6 Takeaways from 133-111 Win Over Cavaliers
By Chris Guest
Another Record Broken (But a Good One)
For the past two games, the Atlanta Hawks have given up some less-than-ideal records to their counterparts. Against the Knicks, the Hawks allowed a record 49 points in a single quarter to the team, and against the Grizzlies, they allowed a record 77 points in a half. However, in this contest, the Hawks themselves set a team record for their own offensive fireworks. The Hawks hit 22 three-pointers in this one, which is the highest total in a game in team history.
To do it against the Cavs – a team that has twice hit 25 threes in a game against the Hawks – is an irony to delicious to deny. Great stuff.
Good Team Ball Movement
While the Atlanta Hawks were known for their crisp, altruistic passing during the Mike Budenholzer era, it was unknown what sort of system new head coach Lloyd Pierce would run in his first season in Atlanta. Clearly, the ball movement of Bud’s years has altered, but the Hawks were certainly looking to make the right pass on this night – as they out-assisted the Cavs 32 to 25. Of course, more than 1/3rd of those assists were from rookie sensation Trae Young (who we’ll get to shortly). No matter what, the ball was zipping around the court on this night, and 5 players (Young, Alex Len, Kent Bazemore, Alex Poythress and Kevin Huerter) all had at least 4 assists.