Atlanta Hawks: 3 keys to bouncing back against the Indiana Pacers
The Atlanta Hawks were out of the game against the San Antonio Spurs for the first three quarters. Then the two teams emptied their benches and the Hawks came storming back from 40 points down to only lose by only 11 points.
This might have been a blessing in disguise for the Hawks, given that the starters got a rest on the first half of a back-to-back. While it was not the ideal way for the starters to get that rest, they take on conference rivals the Indiana Pacers in the next game.
The Pacers have lost six of their last eight games after starting the season really well. They are without their part of the James Harden trade, Caris LeVert, as he deals with a mass on his liver. They are also missing T.J. Warren who is out indefinitely after surgery on his foot.
Atlanta Hawks key No, 1) Drive into the teeth of the defense
The Pacers have the best shot-blocker in the game at the moment, so why is it that I suggest for the Hawks to drive into the heart of the defense? Well, the answer is pretty simple, to draw the foul. The Pacers are 21st in the league in fouls committed.
If the Hawks can get to the line more, then they will hopefully be able to get Turner and Domantas Sabonis into foul trouble which will totally change the game. Considering that the Pacers also traded Victor Oladipo away, it is easier to get into a good position to shoot the ball.
Atlanta Hawks key No.2) Be better defending the mid-range
More from Soaring Down South
- Start, Bench, Cut: Sorting through the Hawks’ power forward options
- Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic reacts to earning FIBA World Cup championship bid
- When does training camp start for the Atlanta Hawks?
- Grade the trade: Hawks deal Trae Young to Clippers in shocking proposal
- Dejounte Murray rips NBA 2K after Atlanta Hawks ratings reveal
The Hawks were killed in the midrange against the Spurs. They have the ability to hit these shots, considering how defenses are focussed on the perimeter thanks to the Golden State Warriors team of the last five years.
The Pacers are also able to shoot from the mid-range which could cause the Hawks some difficulties. They also have Sabonis who starts most of his moves from the mid-range, is then able to get to within three feet for his shot easily. On a miss, he then gets the offensive rebound for the easy putback.
Atlanta Hawks key No. 3) Crash the boards
The Hawks have the best rebounder in the league playing for them. Clint Capela needs to assert his dominance over the Pacers early on and make sure the Pacers do not get too many second opportunities. John Collins also needs to get back to his best to secure the ball.
Next. 3 players who have disappointed this season. dark
The Pacers are third last in the league for total rebounds, but they always seem to get the crucial ones. If the Hawks control the boards by a lot, then they are a good chance of winning this game and taking one over a conference rival who will most likely be in the playoffs.