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Atlanta Hawks find their range despite tough Game 3 loss

By Joshua Buckhalter

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 27: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks attempts a three point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on June 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Atlanta Hawks 113-102. TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 27: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks attempts a three point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on June 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Atlanta Hawks 113-102. TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Hawks suffered several tough blows on Sunday night. Their 113-102 loss drops them a game behind Milwaukee Bucks who take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, but superstar point guard Trae Young suffered an ankle sprain after stepping on the foot of a referee. Young wouldn’t miss much time, but he wasn’t even close to being effective upon returning.

With Young set to go for an MRI on Monday morning, aside from hoping he can heal up enough to be effective in Game 4, there is one key development the Hawks can hang their hats on.

The Atlanta Hawks shooting well from outside in their Game 3 loss was one of the few bright spots

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They finally found their deep ball. What has been a struggle for most of the postseason, the Hawks hit 15-of-37 from beyond the arc in Game 3. It was their best mark since Game 1 against the 76ers.

Young led the way with his best game from outside since Game 6 against Philly, going 6-for-14.

He wasn’t the only one as everyone seemed to shoot the long ball judiciously and efficiently. Kevin Huerter hit three of his seven triples, Danilo Gallinari came off the bench to hit 2-of-3, while John Collins and Lou Williams hit one apiece.

The Hawks had five players shoot better than 40 percent from three-point range in this one but not everyone was able to get in on the fun.

Atlanta shot 25 percent from downtown in each of the first two games in this series, so seeing them fall is a welcome sight for the team and fans alike. It has been a rough stretch with the Hawks hitting 30 percent of their threes over the seven games leading up to Game 3 versus Milwaukee. In the seven prior to that, they were hitting over 37 percent of them.

Bogdan Bogdanovic was the only Atlanta shooter who couldn’t get in on the fun, though it wasn’t for lack of trying. Bogdanovic hit just two three-pointers but he took 10. In a way, this was another sign of improvement as he looked his most aggressive since he’s been battling knee soreness.

There was one notable absentee on the night, Cam Reddish. After making his postseason debut and playing pretty well, it stood to reason he’d play more in Game 3.

He wound up with a DNP-Coach’s Decision next to his name. Not that playing Reddish would have guaranteed the Hawks a win. But he certainly wouldn’t have hurt what with all he brings to the table on both ends of the court. He saw 12 minutes in Game 3 and had 11 points, a couple of boards, and a steal.

Let’s see if he plays more going forward with injuries either hindering or completely taking out three of Atlanta’s top five scorers from the regular season.

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The Hawks will now re-group and get ready for Game 4, hopefully with a healthy Young. In the meantime, they can hang their hat on the fact their three-ball was falling again for one game at least. The challenge will be in ensuring a repeat performance.

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