Atlanta Hawks: John Collins needs to take a step forward on defense
The Atlanta Hawks are locked in a battle with the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bucks have two main superstars who the Hawks need to contain on a nightly basis, one is Khris Middleton, and the other is Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Middleton is going to be defended by Kevin Huerter and Solomon Hill in the main, with others switching onto him at times. This then leaves the question of guarding the two-time MVP and paint-scoring juggernaut that is Antetokounmpo.
While the main defensive matchup for Antetokounmpo will most probably end up being Capela, especially in the low block, others on the team will need to be involved. When Ateteokounmpo is starting at the top of the key, John Collins will be the main man.
The Atlanta Hawks need to stop the Antetkounmpo freight train.
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During the Philadelphia 76ers series, John Collins was able to cheat on his defensive assignment of Ben Simmons. Due to Simmons having no perimeter shooting game, Collins could be beneath the free throw line and still contain Simmons.
However, this is a mistake when trying to stop Antetokounmpo. The Bucks star has such good footwork he is able to euro around his defender or produces a spin move, even when he is running at full pace. This has been the key to his success for a long time.
In order to stop this, Collins needs to take a step or two forward so that he is above the free-throw line on defensive possessions. This means that Capela is able to set up behind Collins and has time to react if Antetokounmpo takes a run-up at the Hawks’ big men.
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On top of this, it still is daring Antetokounmpo to shoot from behind the arc, where he is not going to hurt you as much. This has the impact of keeping him off the boards and potentially getting second-chance points. Every little bit will help when trying to defend Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.