Atlanta Hawks: Kevin Huerter’s shot is not falling since his shoulder injury
The Atlanta Hawks had a terrible three-game series a little while back. They had a game against the Detroit Pistons which was the second night of a back-to-back. Then they had a baseball series against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Hawks lost all three games, but the cost has been greater than three losses.
Kevin Huerter was injured in the Detroit Pistons games, which added to a laundry list of injuries during that time. Since those games, however, the Hawks have righted the ship, continuing to win at home, and only losing one game since then, which was on the road against the Indiana Pacers on the second night of a back-to-back.
Huerter only missed the two games against the 76ers, has come back to play 26.3 minutes per game. He has even started the two games in the baseball series against the Washington Wizards, taking the defensive assignment against Russell Westbrook until the second half of the second game.
The Atlanta Hawks need the shooting of Kevin Huerter for the playoffs
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Since his return, Huerter has averaged 7.3 points, 3.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 26.3 minutes per game. His efficiency has taken a hit with Huerter going 32.1 percent from the floor, 31.0 percent from deep, and 50.0 percent from the line.
With the exception of points per game, his numbers are similar to that on the season. His shooting numbers are much better on the season than in this last six-game stretch. He is 43.1 percent from the floor, 36.2 percent from deep, and 78.1 percent from the line.
This explains why he is going at 11.9 points per game for the season compared to 7.3 points per game over the last six-game stretch. It appears that Huerter is still not comfortable or confident in his shoulder when shooting the ball. He is still contributing in every other way when he is on the court, but his shooting is letting him down.
dark. Next. The playoff picture with two games remaining
It says a lot about the man that he is playing the way that he is while hurt. He is putting his body on the line for his team and has helped them qualify directly for the playoffs. However, this is when each team needs to put their best foot forward and Huerters’ shooting is a tremendous boon to the Hawks. They need him at his best if they are going to advance deep into the playoffs.