Atlanta Hawks: 3 keys to a Game 2 victory and 2-0 lead in the ECF

Atlanta Hawks keys to a Game 2 victory No.2: Timely defense is just another thing the upstart Hawks can do

For all the talk of their offensive prowess, they’re fourth in defensive rating this postseason. For reference they were 18th during the regular season and Hunter, their best perimeter defender (by far) has been out since Game 5 against New York. Cam Reddish, their second-best wing defender, hasn’t suited up this postseason after recently getting cleared to return.

Let’s not forget Bogdan Bogdanovic is severely limited by his knee. He actually has the best defensive rating of any of the regulars in the rotation, aside from Lou Williams. Some of that is the Hawks trying to hide him. It usually doesn’t work.

But he’s also had seven steals in the last three games, proving his worth each game.

Then there’s the work they do on the glass. The Bucks are the first in total and defensive rebounds and second in offensive boards.

Atlanta checks in at fourth, fourth, and 14th respectively (you don’t need to rebound when the shot goes in). Focusing on the defensive end, Giannis leads the way. Khris Middleton is a little way down from him at 16th in defensive board and 22nd in total.

Sandwiched in between them are John Collins and Clint Capela. Collins has shown his worth offensively but Capela might need more love.

Some have questioned his performance almost as if they don’t know who he’s up against. He battled MVP-runner-up Joel Embiid and Milwaukee out two-time MVP Antetokounmpo at center in Game 1 to mixed results.

They might have planned to take advantage of the Swiss big man, but Capela’s is a long game. The “fatigue sets in” around games four and five. We’ll see if Giannis is even playing there then.

The bottom line is this team, missing its two best wing stoppers, is more than holding its own on the less glamorous end.

Eventually, though, they will need to make shots.