It was time for the Atlanta Hawks to change momentum after losing seven of nine games. After a strong start to the season, there seemed to be chemistry issues on the floor to force the team to not be as effective. This previous week, the Hawks were able to win three of their last four games, thanks in part to the dominance of Clint Capela.
As Capela was traded from Houston last season, the team awaited his debut to be the enforcer under the basket. Coach Pierce and the rest of the organization understood how he could elevate the team with his defense, and so far he has not disappointed. In Capela’s first season in Atlanta, the Hawks are ranked eighth in defense after being last a season ago. The impact that he has made on that end of the floor is remarkable. And over the past four games, Capela has shown how versatile he could be on both ends of the floor.
Start with last Monday’s game vs the Timberwolves. Capela did an excellent job at running the floor on offense and finding open spots for high percentage shots. The impressive thing about this game is the continued close connection of Capela and Trae Young when going for alley-oop passes. The two seem to always read each other so perfectly and they continue to be in sync with one another on offense. Capela finished the game with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks.
The Atlanta Hawks benefitted from Clint Capela all week
The effort from Capela continued over to Wednesday’s matchup against the Pistons, where he became a man amongst boards. Midway through the second quarter, Capela already had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. He was once again engaged in the offense and was toying with the Pistons’ big men in crashing the glass. Capela finished the game with 27 points and 26 rebounds on the night. The important stat that stands out in Capela’s performance is 12 offensive rebounds. Second-chance points are what helped the Hawks have the advantage in their victory. And it was big in part of Capela’s historic performance.
Clint Capela is dominating the Wolves 🤯
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 23, 2021
13 PTS
19 REB
10 BLKS pic.twitter.com/5iJcDObGP5
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And lastly, Friday night was another impressive performance in another matchup against Minnesota. It may have not been a high-scoring night offensively, but once again Capela showed his dominance on the defensive end. Minnesota found it difficult to score in the paint against Capela.
He was blocking shots left and right and his attention to detail was astounding. The effort to block shots on defense transpired to transition baskets on the offensive end of the floor. Capela finished the game with a triple-double with 13 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 blocks in the contest.
It was Capela’s best week as an Atlanta Hawk thus far. After going through a brief losing streak, he understood that everyone needed to step up in order to get on the right track. With his defense leading the way, it resulted in huge wins to help the Hawks climb the standings. As the season progresses, Capela will only seek to continue the same impact going forward.