Atlanta Hawks: Lou Williams needs to break out of his slump
The Atlanta Hawks traded Rajon Rondo at the deadline in return for the sweet-shooting Lou Williams. The Georgia native came back home and has performed incredibly well, especially in the last quarter of games which was a problem area for the Hawks earlier this season.
He has livened up the second unit, helping establish Onyeka Okongwu offensively given their connection in the pick and roll. One of the best sixth men to ever play the NBA was rolling nicely, helping the Hawks through their injury issues.
However, he missed the second night of a back-to-back against the Detroit Pistons with flu-like symptoms. While he only missed one game, Williams’ shot has deserted him in the following four games.
The Atlanta Hawks need Lou Williams firing.
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Williams has averaged only 5.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 20.3 minutes per game. Due to Williams being a shooter, there will be times that he is going to struggle. However, during the slump he is 5-of-26 from the floor, 1-of-4 four from deep, and 10-of-13 from the line.
This is only good for 19.2 percent from the floor, 25.0 percent from deep, and 76.9 percent from the line. Williams has six games to get his groove back and then he is going to be a key piece in the Hawks rotations.
Fortunately, the Hawks have enough weapons to cover the loss of Williams’ shooting at this time. Bogdan Bogdanovic has been on fire since he came back from injury, including his record-setting April for 3-point field-goals made.
Danilo Gallinari is also a walking mismatch who causes problems every time he hits the court. Both of these players hit seven 3-point field goals in the last game against the Blazers. This, with the rest of the firepower the Hawks have, is enough for the regular season.
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However, when the playoffs come around the Hawks will be facing tough opposition every single night. If Williams is not firing, then the Hawks lose a potential game-winner at the time they will need it the most. As we all know, it only takes one shot for a shooter to break out of his slump and this is especially true with Williams.