Atlanta Hawks: Rapid Reaction to Down to the Wire Win Against the Clippers

Rapid reactions to the Atlanta Hawks 123-118 down-to-the wire win over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center.

The Atlanta Hawks ended the first quarter leading the Clippers 32-25. Throughout the season the Hawks have been able to get off to fast starts in games. However, the young team (as expected) struggles to close.

Needless to say, Atlanta closed this game out due to the relentless attack of John Collins and Trae Young. Tonight’s win puts the Hawks at 16-33 on the season. Sadly, this win will decrease the franchise’s chances of winning the Zion Williamson sweepstakes.

On the other hand, the Hawks got revenge against a Clippers team who defeated them 119-127 (Nov 19th). Tonight Atlanta exposed the Clippers in the pick-and-roll, and on the boards.

Throughout the game, Los Angeles struggled to find an answer for Trae Young who torched the opposing backcourt. The Clippers put different defenders on Young and whether it was Avery Bradley, Patrick Beverly or Shai Gilgeous Alexander, no one was able to slow him down.

Ultimately, Ice Trae had his way with the Clippers defense along with Collins. Young did an excellent job of pushing the pace, taking the game in stride and getting his teammates involved, while remaining aggressive finding his offense.

The Oklahoma product finished tonight’s contest with 26 points, 8 assists and 4 assists. Both Collins and Young showed what Hawks fans can look forward to in the future.

Collins is currently averaging 19.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He finished Monday’s game with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals.

Collins has been the most consistent player on this young Hawks team all season. He is arguably the best player on the roster and one of the top forwards in the Eastern Conference. Considering his numbers at the moment, he should  be an All-Star reserve (but I digress).

The Wake Forest product outworked both Marcin Gortat and Montrezl Harrell on the glass. Not to mention neither one could stop Collins in the post.

Throughout the game, both teams pushed the tempo, hit open threes and utilized the pick-and-roll. But the Hawks were able to make stops when it counted the most.

Atlanta also received more contribution from their bench which is crucial when playing on the road. At the end of the game, the Hawks had five players in double figures.

Young (26), Collins (22), Alex Len (19), Jeremy Lin (13) and Dewayne Dedmon (13) all scored double figures in Monday’s game. One important aspect of this game was the input from Len and Lin who scored double-digit figures off the bench.

All season Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce has been experimenting with different lineups. At the moment there is no definite lineup but it’s clear that the young coach is getting through to his team and creating a culture.

The Clippers underestimated the Hawks and failed to realize that this team competes every night no matter who is on the other side of the floor.

Atlanta shot 29.4 percent from 3-point range as a team and still beat the Clippers because of their hustle, assists and second-chance points. In addition to everything else, the Hawks out-rebounded the Clippers 44 to 38.

Monday’s game was won by pure grit and intensity on both ends of the floor. The Hawks outplayed the Clippers and wanted it more.

The Atlanta Hawks will take on the Sacramento Kings on the road Wednesday at 10:00 p.m. EST.

All stats from this article are from stats.nba.com.