Who would have believed at the beginning of the season Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks would be in the Eastern Conference Finals? The team has been resilient all season long and has overcome obstacles to place themselves in this position. This is not to mention the spectacular play of Young in the postseason. With four more victories, the Hawks can clinch their first NBA Finals appearance since 1961.
First, Atlanta must overcome the Milwaukee Bucks to make this Finals appearance come true. The Bucks themselves are a team that has remained focused even through a battle-tested series against the Brooklyn Nets. Milwaukee has a lot of firepower and playoff experience led by two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. As both teams are coming off of a rugged seven-game series, they both know what is needed to keep their momentum rolling.
As we have seen through the first two rounds, the Hawks know how to make miracles happen. They were the underdogs in the first two rounds against the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers. They certainly will not be in unfamiliar territory going against Milwaukee. We understand what Young will bring to the table as far as scoring and distributing. But there will be three other key players who will need to elevate their game tremendously.
Atlanta Hawks roleplayer to contribute No. 1) John Collins
How will the Hawks co-star produce at the biggest stage? Going up against Giannis, John Collins will need to bring 100 percent effort on both ends of the floor. The 2017 draftee has produced well so far with his attention to detail and becoming a team player. Now let’s see if he can take control on the offensive end.
More from Soaring Down South
- 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?
- Grade the trade: Hawks deal Trae Young to Clippers in shocking proposal
- Dejounte Murray rips NBA 2K after Atlanta Hawks ratings reveal
Collins’ ability to be able to score consistently against Milwaukee will be crucial. He can beat them in a multitude of ways including stretching the floor and attacking the rim. As Atlanta expects many Trae Young double teams, the supporting cast must stay ready to score. With Collins’ talent as a versatile forward, his contributions on offense can make a huge difference.
Atlanta Hawks roleplayer to contribute No. 2) Clint Capela
The Hawks must dominate the glass in this series. And who is better at that than Mr. Clint Capela. Throughout this postseason, Capela has been a phenomenal rim protector and is crashing the glass as well. He is averaging 11.6 rebounds through 12 games played and has come up strong in pivotal moments.
Capela will be needed against the likes of Giannis, Brook Lopez, and the rest of Milwaukee’s frontcourt. A team that thrives around the rim, the Hawks will need to protect the interior and stop the Bucks from scoring.
Atlanta Hawks roleplayer to contribute No. 3) Danilo Gallinari
It’s safe to say that Danilo Gallinari has become a fan favorite in Atlanta. When the pressure is tight, he isn’t scared to take big shots whether it’s a make or miss. Gallinari’s confidence has been a difference-maker throughout this postseason. He’s by far been one of Atlanta’s best contributors coming off the bench.
The conference finals will show what Gallinari is really made of. Will he produce when his team needs him the most? He has been a terrific perimeter scorer from three-point range and around the 18-foot mark. The Hawks will need the same amount of efficient shooting heading into a tough matchup over Milwaukee.