Offense — The Good
- Pace (estimated number of possessions per 48 minutes): 106.98 (1st)
This is good, right? Maybe? It certainly makes games fun to watch, but also is definitely a factor in the amount of turnovers they’ve racked up, as we’ll see later.
- Three-pointers attempted: 35.7 (4th)
- Three-pointers made: 11.3 (10th)
General Manager Schenk came from the Warriors, a team that has had a lot of success placing a heavy emphasis on the three-ball, so it’s no surprise that the Hawks jack up a lot of attempts from behind the arc. Drafting three guys who all had a high shooting pedigree out of college (Young, Red Pepper, Spellman) definitely contributes, but Prince and Carter are also serviceable from downtown (36.7% and 36.3% respectively). Analytics dudes will say that, in most situations, three’s are proportionately more valuable than other shot attempts.
- Fastbreak points: 17.8 (4th)
A product of pace, but the Hawks certainly like to strike while the iron is hot. DeAndre’ Bembry has showcased phenomenal vision, and Vince Carter is out here looking like QB1.
touchdownnnnnnn Atlanta! pic.twitter.com/Muk4gxk2k1
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 14, 2018
- Points in the paint: 50.1 (10th)
Ice Trae has been off-and-on in his ability to finish at the rim, but he’s improving every game. Alex Len and John Collins have both been the primary beneficiaries of Young feeds in the money zone.
Trae Young puts up a team-high 14 PTS & 5 ASTS in the 1st half for the @ATLHawks.#NBA League Pass: https://t.co/L3VurkatG8 pic.twitter.com/ntmPX1kobD
— NBA (@NBA) November 7, 2018
- Percentage of points from 3PM: 31.3% (9th)
- Percentage of points from mid-range: 6.1% (5th-fewest)
The number-nerds are smiling again.
- Percentage of made field goals assisted on: 62.8% (5th)
Passing is a major key (DJ KHALED). The Atlanta Hawks eschew calling iso-sets, and have been very unselfish. Credit Coach Pierce for making that a priority.