The Atlanta Hawks have had a season where players have had to step up most games into roles that they may not be used to. This is how Solomon Hill has earned him money all year, by doing absolutely everything for the team.
His defense has been what Hill has hung his hat on all season but due to all the injuries, he has had to find more of his offensive game as well. He has always been a 3-and-D type player but since John Collins was out with his ankle injury, Hill has been driving more.
Against the Portland Trail Blazers Hill made one of the best heads-up plays of his career at the end of the first period. It was something that was made out of nothing which is how Hill has played all season long.
The Atlanta Hawks have benefitted from Solomon Hill doing the little things
Solo caught 'em 😴 pic.twitter.com/yczBbtB3Km
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) May 4, 2021
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
As you can see in the video above, there are only six seconds left on the clock when Damian Lillard, an excellent free throw shooter, takes his second shot from the line. He misses the shot and the Hawks manage to secure the rebound.
The outlet pass is then given to the mid-court. As the next heads-up play, the quick pass is given to Hill who has sprinted from the moment he knew the Lillard free throw was going to miss. As a result, Hill got the easy transition dunk with one second left on the clock.
The meant that the Hawks went into the first period with a one-point lead, rather than a one-point deficit. The team goes into the break with momentum and a good feeling rather than thinking about being down. This is potentially huge for a team.
It is this play that simply sums up the Solomon Hill season. He has taken every opportunity that he has been given and made the most of them. It has been a joy to watch and one of the reasons the Hawks are in such a good position this season.