Atlanta Hawks: 4 keys to victory against the Phoenix Suns

Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 4
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks key No. 3) Turn up the heat on perimeter defense

Like with their foul shooting, the Suns are really good from behind the 3-point line. The starting floor-spaces is Bridges who is shooting the 3-ball at 45.3 percent on 5.8 shots per game. The other starters who have been good from deep are Crowder who is shooting at 35.2 percent on 6.5 attempts and Booker who is shooting at 34.8 percent on 6.0 percent.

Strangely Paul is struggling from deep this season, going at 28.6 percent from 2.5 attempts per game. The bench is also strong led by Langston Galloway who is shooting the 3-ball at 48.1 percent on 2.5 attempts per game.

Cameron Johnson is shooting the 3-ball at 38.4 percent on 6.6 attempts per game and Dario Saric is shooting 35.7 percent on 4.0 shot attempts per game. It is fortunate that Cameron Payne is likely out as he is shooting 42.9 percent from outside on 2.3 attempts.

The Suns have taken 417 shots from deep out of 945 in their 11 games played. This is 44 percent of all their shots taken on the season. If you stop the Suns 3-point shooting you stop the Suns, the equation is that simple.

The perimeter defense of the Hawks is fairly solid with Hunter, Cam Reddish, and John Collins all able to run players off the line. Kevin Huerter and Solomon Hill can also take their second unit perimeter threats and keep them quiet.