Atlanta Hawks: This series is made for Clint Capela

The Atlanta Hawks are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2015, and they won their first-ever conference finals game as the Atlanta franchise. To do this against the Milwaukee Bucks at their home arena was something else.

They did this on the back of another Trae Young masterpiece in the first game of the series. However, it was not all Young. Clint Capela played a very good game against the Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. This is the second series in a row that Capela has had a generational talent to defend.

We can give Capela a leave pass for his lack of production in the last series as he was taking on Joel Embiid. His range and ability to pass or shoot out of a double team make him one of the toughest covers in the entire NBA.

Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela is more at home against Antetokounmpo.

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It is a little scary to think that you would welcome playing the two-time MVP in a series than an MVP candidate is saying something. What Capela is enjoying is that he gets to play defense on a player who has limited range on his shot.

In the first game, the Bucks scored very heavily in the paint. This is normally where Capela shines, but, again, had his hands full with the opposition’s best player. However, the secret to keeping the Bucks quiet is to try and contain their superstar.

Antetkounmpo makes the majority of his shots from within six feet of the rim. Capela is at his best when he can stay at home in the paint, challenging shots. Antetokounmpo also likes to use his size and speed to dominate his opponent.

Capela is able to match Antetokounmpo when he is close to the rim, stopping his freight-train-like runs to the rim. Antetokounmpo is not able to back Capela down in the post either.  This series is built for Capela to shine. Just take the first game where he had a 19 rebound double-double.