Atlanta Hawks: 3 Takeaways From Lopsided Loss In Brooklyn

Continue to Feed John Collins

The Atlanta Hawks jumped out to a quick lead in the first quarter due to Collins. The second-year forward finished the game with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 1 steal. Unfortunately, the Hawks didn’t go back to Collins until late in the third quarter.

Clearly, the Nets did not have an answer for Collins. He applied pressure on Brooklyn’s frontcourt and put Allen in early foul trouble, which opened the lane for Atlanta.

Often times, when Collins is not on the floor the Hawks, tend to shoot more three’s and rely on jump shots. Atlanta had success in the first quarter when they ran the pick & roll with Collins or let him post up down low (occasionally).

He finished the first half with 18 points and did not convert his next basket until the 8:35 mark in the third quarter. By that time the Nets held a 68-66 lead. In order for the Hawks to have a chance at the end of each game, they need to include JC.

Of course, teams sometimes get away from the staples that work on offense. Atlanta got off to a hot start but started to commit silly turnovers which helped the Nets climb back into the game.