Atlanta Hawks: 4 Takeaways from Preseason Blowout vs. Pelicans

The Atlanta Hawks faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. Read on to explore four takeaways from the blowout loss.

In the team’s highly anticipated first preseason game, the Atlanta Hawks were absolutely massacred by the New Orleans Pelicans on the team’s home floor at State Farm Arena by a final score of 133 to 109.

Despite that, the team displayed some solid basketball — leading to a few good things as well as some not-so-good things. Read on to explore takeaways from this first preseason tilt.

Rookies Looking Good

All three of the Atlanta Hawks rookies had their moments in this game. De’Andre Hunter finished with 10 points in 24 minutes while playing rock-solid defense. Cam Reddish had 11 points in 15 minutes, showcasing his gorgeous jumper at various points. Bruno Fernando closed out this game with a flurry of blocks and a nifty off the dribble slam dunk.

Turnovers & Defense = Still a Problem

Of course, not everything was sunshine rainbows for the Hawks, as they piled up a hilariously high 29 turnovers while allowing a 46-point quarter to the Pels in the second. Of course, the caveat here is “it’s the preseason,” but the team’s defense was atrocious last year, so that’s something to monitor, despite the influx of veterans.

Trae Young in Facilitator Mode Throughout

Though Trae Young delivered the sparkling highlight below against the Pelican’s JJ Redick, he was mostly content with delivering passes to his teammates on the way to 11 assists:

Despite all those dimes, Young was also responsible for 8 of his team’s 29 turnovers. Young will have to watch that when the season begins proper.

Bembry as Backup Point Guard?

With both Kevin Huerter and Evan Turner not playing due to being on the injury report, DeAndre’ Bembry stepped into the starting two guard spot in a backcourt with Trae Young. Though Bembry’s handle and defense were still sharp, Bembry is overtaxed as a primary initiator – showcasing the team’s need for a true backup one to Young.

This was the first of five preseason games for the Atlanta Hawks, which conclude on October 17 against the Chicago Bulls. Stay tuned for plenty more coverage of the team on Soaring Down South.