The daunting 7-game road trip continues on, and the Atlanta Hawks making their one and only appearance in Utah on the season Friday. They played well for the most part against one of the best defenses in the league, but eventually fell, 128-112.
Both Teams came out red-hot, each making over 50% of their 1st period shots, with the Atlanta Hawks scoring 34 and Utah 36.
The 2nd period was one of runs, which had both teams going back and forth. The Hawks had a comfortable lead with a few minutes until the Jazz went on a nice sized run that carried into the 3rd.
Atlanta couldn’t get anything to fall to start the second half and at the same time, it seemed like the Jazz couldn’t miss. Not a great combo usually.
It was the Jazz’s first game since the all-star reserves announcement and Rudy Gobert’s emotional snub from the game. There’s no doubt that the center played like an all star tonight. He finished with 25 points, 13 boards and a pair of blocks.
Trae led things for the Hawks, continuing his string of nice performances. He played 37 minutes, tying his career high, filling out the stat sheet along the way. He finished just one assist shy of a double-double and made 9 of 20 attempts for 28 points. Since his 5 point effort against the Bulls last week, Trae has rattled off four straight 20+ point nights.
Fellow rook Kevin Huerter also had a nice evening, making 4-7 from deep, including one from very deep. The Maryland man also had 7 assists, matching his career best. He won’t be losing his starting role anytime soon.
On the other hand, it’s probably about time either Taurean Prince or Kent Bazemore, who both recently returned from injury, to take over for De’Andre Bembry in the starting 5. Outside one or two standout performances, the third year guard/forward has not been very good. In Utah Friday he had 6 points in 23 minutes, going 0-3 beyond the arch. We’ll see how long of a leash Lloyd Pierce has on him, but I’d expect Prince in the starting spot sooner rather than later.
Box Office Notes:
- A stat-sheet-stuffer from Dedmon tonight, he had 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and a block.
- Nice to see Hawks legend Kyle Korver still getting in done for Utah.
- The Hawks fired off 46 threes tonight, a number they’ve topped just once on the year. The 30% clip could be improved but isn’t awful.
Another one where the Atlanta Hawks just couldn’t keep a lead against a tough opponent. They fall to 2-3 on the trip and 16-35 on the season. They turn around and play an equally young team tomorrow, the Suns in Phoenix.