The Atlanta Hawks win against the Timberwolves on MLK Day – Grades

Atlanta Hawks starting lineup grades:

De’Andre Hunter had a really good night. He had one huge dunk where he got up so high that he cut his wrist on the hoop and was everywhere on offense. He had 25 points, scoring at the rim, in the mid-range, at the line, and from deep. When he plays this way he truly opens the floor for the Hawks. He made several cuts throughout the game which shifted the defense which the Hawks took advantage of. His six turnovers lowered his grade slightly but also had four rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

John Collins looked to be having fun out there for the first time in a while. He connected on a great alley-oop play with Young in the first period. Had his best game in a while with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and four huge blocks. Collins drifted out of the offense in the second half again but still made a number of big plays when he was needed. Finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, four blocks, and two assists.

Clint Capela was an absolute beast on the court tonight. Before tonight he was averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds against the Timberwolves. Tonight he had 23 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and two steals. He ran the floor hard and repeatedly got back before any Minnesota defenders could get down the court. Capela is one of those players whose energy translates onto the scoreboard and he feasts when he is meant to. Has the equal second-longest streak of double-digit rebound games since the turn of the century with 10.

Had an incredibly active game tonight, putting his hand up for the full-time starting job. Had 17 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and four steals. His activity was crucial to getting his teammates open. Due to coach Lloyd Pierce keeping the rotation to just nine guys, Huerter played a game-high 41 minutes and when the game needed to be won in the fourth, Huerter made two big plays of Young assists due to the Timberwolves double-teaming the point guard.

Trae Young started the game well, setting up his teammates with six assists and not attempting a shot in the first period. He rectified that in the second by taking two deep 3-balls. Was in foul trouble for most of the game and still managed to almost get a triple-double. Collected 20 points, 13 assists, eight assists, and three steals. The Timberwolves double-teamed him when he was on the floor and he was able to make the right plays to keep the Hawks ahead. Scored 12 points at the line on 13 attempts.