Atlanta Hawks: 5 Takeaways from Loss to Pacers

Return of John Collins

The main headline for this game for the Hawks was the triumphant return of last year’s rookie sensation for the Hawks: big man John Collins.

Not only an incredibly guy, the Hawks were sorely lacking a true up-and-down lob threat on this team that could wow you with his athleticism. With Collins back in the fold, that was no longer the case.

Though he was limited to 12 total minutes, he made it count. JC scored 12 points in those minutes and was a complete battering ram on the offensive end – he shot 3 of 6 from the field and got to the line for 6 of 7 on free throws.

JC also flashed some of the floor game he had seemingly been working on during the offseason, impressing with some nice takes to the rack. In his 12 minutes, he was a +14 in BPM in a game the Hawks lost by 8.

This was a terrific first game for Collins, and he also finished one of his trademark lobs from new point guard Trae Young:

Atlanta Hawks fans, I’m so happy to say that we can get used to that combination.