Atlanta Hawks: Rapid Reaction to 97-85 Loss vs. Bulls
Saturday night the Atlanta Hawks played their second game at home in the newly renovated State Farm Arena against the Chicago Bulls. The Atlanta Hawks would go on to lose 85-97 against the Bulls dropping them to (2-3) on the season.
Despite the Atlanta Hawks losing their third game of the season, this game was relatively close. Unlike Wednesday’s 111-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks, the Hawks did not have to come back from a 20-point deficit.
Final.#TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/x2prE3FXIE
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) October 28, 2018
However, this game highlighted Atlanta’s porous defense, terrible shot selection and atrocious shooting percentage. Trae Young struggled to find a rhythm as he suffered an extremely tough shooting night. The first round pick would finish the night shooting 3 of 12 (25 percent) from the field.
Obviously, it’s expected for him to struggle because he is still getting used to the game speed in the NBA. But as the unannounced leader of this team, Young needs to find a way to generate easy buckets and not rely so much on his jump shot.
On a more positive note, Taurean Prince had another solid performance as he finished the game with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and two steals while shooting 40 percent from three. Prince, who has been working all summer, has been a consistent leader for the Hawks this season.
Prince, Kent Bazemore and Vince Carter have been able to generate easy buckets for Atlanta. But during Saturday night’s game the Hawks struggled to convert from deep. Since the draft, it has been clear that this year’s team would incorporate the deep ball as a staple on offense.
Saturday night, the team shot 12 of 40 (30 percent) from beyond the arc. Granted, teams have their bad shooting nights but last night the Hawks hurt themselves by not effectively running the offense at times and hoisting up too many threes.
It's pretty. It's sooo pretty. pic.twitter.com/63kpTZ3eHK
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) October 28, 2018
On the other side of the floor, Atlanta struggled to find an answer for Zach LaVine who dropped 27 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists. LaVine attempted 10 free throws during last nights game, which helped him develop a flow.
Throughout the night LaVine used his athleticism and speed to blow by Bazemore and DeAndre’ Bembry. In addition to LaVine, the Bulls had a solid contribution from Jabari Parker who played efficiently.
Although the Bulls won the game the Hawks beat themselves by turning over the ball 22 times last night. Atlanta struggled to get in a rhythm because of their poor shot selection and careless turnovers at times. It’s hard to settle in an offense if you constantly turn the ball over.
Even though the Hawks lost last night’s game it’s clear that the team can score and defend at a high level in spurts. Also, Dewayne Dedmon looked good as he finished the game with 13 points and 13 rebounds in his second game back from injury.
https://twitter.com/ATLHawks/status/1056347163880390657
Again, the Hawks are in a rebuild and are only 2-3, so there is no need to panic. Not to mention this young team can play with almost anyone when they move the ball around and get back on defense.
Next. Trae Young Lived Up to Hype on Only National TV Game. dark
How do you think the Atlanta Hawks are doing thus far in the season?