Atlanta Hawks Rattled by Memphis: Player Grades

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 06: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 06, 2020 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images) /

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Recapping and handing out player grades to the Atlanta Hawks for their efforts against Memphis on Saturday night.

The Atlanta Hawks took a early 5-2 lead that was quickly a 16-5 then 26-9 deficit. They could make nothing in the first period despite getting good looks, making three of their first 14 shots while turning the ball over five times. The Grizzlies took a 38-18 lead into the second quarter.

The Memphis lead shot up to 26 at some points, with the Hawks lucky to go into the halftime break down 21. The Hawks made 14 of their 47 first half shots, while the Grizzlies made over 50 percent of their attempts.

It was one of the worst halves in recent Hawks memory.

They finally shows signs of life coming out of halftime, going on a 7-0 run to force a quick Memphis timeout. Their offense stayed hot for the most part, but the Grizzlies was even hotter. Memphis made seemingly every shot in a middle of the quarter stretch. The deficit was 15 entering the fourth after the Hawks outscored Memphis 33-27 in the third.

The lead hung around 14-17 throughout the final quarter, with Atlanta doing just enough to prevent Memphis from pulling away, but not enough to launch a comeback.

It’s the Hawks’ 3rd straight loss, which drops them to 19-46 on the season. They next play on Monday, back home against the Hornets.

Player grades are next

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