Atlanta Hawks: 5 reasons behind the big Game 6 letdown
5. The Bigs
Collins picked a horrible time to have his second-worst game of the postseason as he had just seven points, though he did grab 10 boards and posterize Embiid something serious. Still, he’d averaged over 18 points over the last three games and at home. He shot just 25 percent from the floor and went 0-for-3 from beyond the arc.
More from Hawks News
- 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?
- Dejounte Murray rips NBA 2K after Atlanta Hawks ratings reveal
- Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic makes special dedication after FIBA win
This was a letdown in a big spot for the second-best player on this roster and a player who will be looking for big money, even as a restricted free agent.
Collins also had an altercation with Joel Embiid where the latter came down awkwardly, knocking both big men down. They both took issue with the other and had to be separated by officials.
Capela had 14 points and 11 boards, but he continues to leave points on the floor by missing easy layups. His ability to be physical with Embiid is invaluable as the Hawks don’t have anyone else close to up for the task.
The Hawks big man hasn’t really been able to either but at least he has made Embiid feel him every time he’s guarding him down low.
The duo of Collins and Capela probably have the toughest assignments in this series as both of their counterparts’ games are so multi-faceted. But they’ll need to step up because they can’t keep letting the Philly combo be automatic.
Next. Atlanta Hawks: 5 secret weapons for the NBA playoffs. dark
Could more frequent injections of Onyeka Oknogwu help? The rookie has played just over eight minutes per game this series but every time he’s on the floor he makes an impact.
It’s win or go home in Game 7. McMillan can’t afford to be tight with his rotations.