Atlanta Hawks: 5 reasons behind the big Game 6 letdown

2. In Transition

The Hawks have been outscored in transition by an average of 13.8 points to 9.7 in their six games against the 76ers. They’ve won the transition points battle just once, and even then only had nine fastbreak points. On the other end, the 76ers have more games with 15 or more fastbreak points (four) than the Hawks have been in double digits (two).

It’s a bit of a reversal from their first-round matchup with the Knicks but after averaging just 8.4 fastbreak points in that series, their production on that front here in the Eastern Conference Semifinals actually represents an improvement.

Atlanta was near the bottom of the league in this category during the regular season too so maybe it should come as a surprise.

The point is the Hawks often find themselves getting beat in the hustle department. Not getting back on defense after misses is usually a surefire way to lose. The Hawks have been living on borrowed time but it may be running out.

Seth Curry and Tobias Harris tied for the team-lead with 24 points apiece while Joel Embiid had 22 points and 13 boards, but also eight turnovers. If Atlanta can’t beat Philadelphia when Embiid is off (he shot 37 percent from the floor and 25 percent from outside), it’s a problem.

This could also be viewed as part of a larger picture with the Hawks hustle, or their offense becoming stagnant, or the ill-advised shots from typically high-I.Q. shooters.

All of those are basic issues but they are beating this young team.