Atlanta Hawks: Solomon Hill is doing it all for the team
The Atlanta Hawks pulled out a surprise win against the Miami Heat which was crucial for their playoff seeding. The win gave them the tie-breaker against last season’s Eastern Conference champions, which could become crucial as the season draws to a close.
The bench was huge in the win. Lou Williams was massive in the last quarter but that is expected given that he has done that for so many years. It was so good for the Hawks to have the shooting and rebounding provided by Danilo Gallinari after a six-game absence.
Nathan Knight came on and gave good energy for just under 12 minutes, hitting the only two shots he took. Brandon Goodwin was amazing, collecting 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds in his third strong performance with Trae Young on the sidelines.
The Atlanta Hawks have utilized Solomon Hill well.
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Solomon Hill was the starting small forward for the Hawks, given that coach Nate McMillan moved Bogdan Bogdanovic to the point and Kevin Huerter to the two-guard positions. Neither of these players could have done much more for the Hawks this game.
Hill had the responsibility of guarding Jimmy Butler and he did an amazing job. However, when rookie Onyeka Okongwu was off the court, Hill played the center position defensively, which is a huge ask of a 6’6″ forward.
However, his versatility did not stop there. He bought the ball up the floor on a number of occasions, initiating the offense. He spaced the floor with his shooting but also drove hard to the hoop. This is something that he has added to his game since the start of the season.
If Hill keeps going this way there is a chance that he has played himself out of the Hawks’ price range for next season. The Hawks need to extend both Huerter and Young and re-sign John Collins at or near the max, depending on what size offer sheet he signed in free agency at the end of the season.
Next. Extending Kevin Huerter is crucial this offseason. dark
Until then though, Hawks fans get to enjoy Hill’s versatility and defense, coupled with his offensive growth this season. He has shown that even when the rest of the team returns from injury, Hill has earned himself playing time.