Soaring Down South
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Recap: Atlanta Hawks struggle in blowout loss to the Detroit Pistons

By Cannon Wonderlich

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 22: Damian Jones #30 of the Atlanta Hawks goes up for a dunk during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 22, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 22: Damian Jones #30 of the Atlanta Hawks goes up for a dunk during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 22, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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In their fifth straight loss, the Atlanta Hawks fell to the Detroit Pistons, 103-128.

The Atlanta Hawks are really feeling the consequences of the John Collins suspension about now. The team has lost their last five games by a combined 119 points. Atlanta was expected to take the next step this season, but without Collins, they’ve taken a massive step back.

In tonight’s contest, second-year phenom, Trae Young uncharacteristically struggled, posting only nine points, six rebounds, and eight assists with five turnovers on 3-12 shooting. Everyone has “off” games occasionally. Tonight just so happened to be Young’s turn.

Jabari Parker also came up a bit short on his averages. Scoring only 14 points and grabbing 4 rebounds, Parker wasn’t his normal, second-option self. The 2014 second overall pick is trying to prove himself worthy of a place in the NBA on his current contract, and for the most part, he’s been an okay-enough replacement wingman for Trae Young.

The Atlanta Hawks’ supporting cast had some notable performances.

DeAndre’ Bembry led the team in scoring with 22 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals on 69.2 percent shooting from the field. It’s always great to see high scoring nights on efficient shooting, especially when it’s a role player stepping up.

De’Andre Hunter followed up his career high performance against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday with another impressive outing. Posting 18 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists, Hunter was second in scoring for the Hawks and is averaging 15.6 points over the last six games. That puts him on pace with other Rookie of the Year frontrunners.

Damian Jones and Alex Len were insignificant alone, but combined for 25 points and 7 rebounds.

Vince Carter and Allen Crabbe both struggled mightily for Atlanta. Carter’s age was showing as he scored three points on 1-6 shooting, and Crabbe was having even less luck, scoring two points while connecting on only one of his seven shot attempts.

Not playing tonight were the aforementioned Collins with his suspension as well as Cam Reddish and Kevin Huerter, both due to injuries.

On paper, the Detroit Pistons have a solid lineup and should be a playoff lock. In reality, this just isn’t the case. Tonight however, they were clicking. Blake Griffin dropped 24 points while his frontcourt mate, Andre Drummond, scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Langston Galloway, Derrick Rose, Markieff Morris, and Bruce Brown all scored in double figures, while third-year shooting guard, Luke Kennard, poured in nine points and nine assists.

The Hawks will look to rebound from this loss on Saturday night when they host the reigning NBA Champions, the Toronto Raptors.

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