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Atlanta Hawks Handle Back-to-Back With Two Wins For First Time This Season

By Symone Stanley

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 28: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks goes up for a shot during the first half of an NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at State Farm Arena on February 28, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 28: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks goes up for a shot during the first half of an NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at State Farm Arena on February 28, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Looking at the Atlanta Hawks’ recent two-game winning streak.

The Atlanta Hawks have secured their first back-to-back win of the 2019-2020 season and I have a few takeaways. The Hawks defeated the Nets 141-118 on Feb 28 and took down the Trailblazers by a score of 129-117 the following night. Both games were at home at State Farm Arena and those loyal fans still buying tickets deserved to see the team shine.

Clint Capela still has not played.

I hate to mention that the Nets Trailblazers being without their superstars, Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard, played a factor in the Hawks success. However, in the Hawks defense, Atlanta is also missing a huge piece as well: Clint Capela. They have been chalking up wins without the big man of their future that is still battling injury. The Hawks are currently allowing an average of 119 points per game. Once Capela is added into the rotation, he will be able to make up for the lack of defense. Even though the Hawks won the last two games, it has been from out-scoring opponents without making stops and applying pressure on the defensive end.

The rookies are building momentum

Cam Reddish, one of Atlanta’s 2019 first round picks, is heating up. The rookie who has been averaging 10 points per game this season, finished with 26 points and four rebounds against the Nets. That’s four points and two rebounds more than All-Star Trae Young. It is comforting to know that the young players are using their extra minutes as a time to develop when the Hawks are matched up against an injured team. Fellow rookie De’Andre Hunter, has been averaging 12.6 points per game and racked up 18 points and 10 rebounds against the Kyrie Irving-less Nets and 22 points and 4 rebounds against the Dame-less Trailblazers.

Teams load managing against the Hawks in the future 

We see cases of “load management” surface here and there around the league since the debate about whether Clippers star, Kawhi Leonard, was being fair to fans or not was all over the sports talk shows. Well with the Hawks being near the bottom of the league in current talent, we will probably see more and more cases of load management being implemented when superstars face Atlanta.

We saw this when Luka Doncic did not play when the Mavericks came to town on Feb 22. A lot of Hawks fans were disappointed they did not get to see the young all star. The Hawks still have the Pelicans, 76ers, and Bucks coming up, so unfortunately Hawks fans might run into more cases of load management with Zion Williamson, Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, if the Hawks keep winning maybe these teams who are all trying to solidify playoff spots will have not choice but to play their stars against the young Hawks.

Next. Easy Schedule Awaits Atlanta Hawks In March. dark

The Hawks will look to win three straight for the first time this season on Monday, facing off with the Grizzlies at home.

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