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Atlanta Hawks: Bogdanovic and Huerter should bounce back in Game 6

By Joshua Buckhalter

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 05: Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a three-point basket against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at State Farm Arena on May 05, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 05: Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a three-point basket against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at State Farm Arena on May 05, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks fans were flying high following their surprising come-from-behind victory in which they overcame a 26-point deficit. The win gave them a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. It also puts them just one win away from their first Eastern Conference Finals berth since 2015. It’s a surprising turn of events in the 1-5 matchup.

Not everyone pulled the rope with the same force, however, as the Hawks were carried by just four players as the rest of the team combined for just 20 points.

This is a pointed statement at both Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kevin Huerter who had just six points, all by the former, between the two of them. That’s not going to cut it.

Atlanta Hawks Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kevin Huerter should be better in Game 6

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Capela also had six points and once again had trouble with Joel Embiid early (seriously, who doesn’t?), and missed routine layups. But he also played the 76ers All-NBA big man physically. We won’t say “fatigue set in” like Capela said after Game 4, but Embiid was 1-for-5 from the floor in the fourth quarter and missed two late free throws that would have made it a one-point game.

Bogdanovic has been one of the Hawks most consistent contributors this postseason with double-digit points in all but two games this postseason and has scored at least 20 points in two of five against the 76ers.

Huerter is averaging 9.6 points per contest in the postseason after averaging 11.9 in the regular season. The dip there isn’t as bad as his sudden inability to hit from deep as he’s gone only hit three of his last 14 triples. A 36.3 percent three-point shooter in the regular season, Huerter shot over 45 percent from outside against the Knicks but just 21.4 percent against the 76ers.

Those pair is lucky the Hawks got big contributions from Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams otherwise the conversation today would be a lot angrier and likely centered around them.

It’s far too soon to consider yet another change to the starting lineup. Again, both have been solid at multiple stages of this postseason. But, as starters, they cannot continue to essentially be on the court just getting in some cardio.

You can bet Philly will come out swinging on the road in Game 6 and the Hawks are going to need better from their starting wings if they are to close this thing out.

Home cooking is usually a boost for role players.

Bogdanovic has scored better at home where the Hawks are 4-1 this postseason. Huerter’s points actually take a dip, but that’s in part due to him taking more shots on the road so far. In fact, both Bogdanovic and Huerter are shooting over 40 percent from beyond the arc at State Farm Arena. They could be returning home at the right time.

Next. Atlanta Hawks: 4 players who can still heat up during the postseason. dark

Closing out a team is never easy but the Hawks already did it the hard way by knocking the Knicks out on the road in Madison Square Garden.

In theory, Game 6 at home should be easier. The 76ers are no Knicks, though.

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