Atlanta Hawks: 3 key trends to watch for in Game 5 of the ECF

Atlanta Hawks key trend to watch for No. 2: Moving the ball will keep the defense off-balance, just like in Game 4

Atlanta got 26 assists in Game 4, a truly remarkable number considering who they had to roll with. Lou Williams, an 18-year vet, gave it his all in his first career playoff start, joining Bogdanovic with 20 points and the duo combining for 13 assists. Kevin Huerter turned in seven dimes of his own and all three players had just three turnovers.

The Hawks made 293 total passes and had five secondary assists in the win. They average just 257 passes and 3.8 assists for the series. For the postseason they’re at 241 and 2.6, respectively.

Young’s usage rate is the highest in the league in the Conference Finals. While he is at his best with the ball, he needs to use his playmaking ability to set up the play that leads to the basket more than looking for the direct assist.

Milwaukee’s defenders are too good to let them get set.

To his credit, Young has delivered just how his team has needed him to this postseason. There is no reason to think he won’t be mindful if he even plays.

The rest of the Hawks have shown they can beat the Bucks without Young, and were even doing so while dealing with a healthy Antetokounmpo. They can’t fall asleep if he were to sit out though because Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday have both gone off for 30-plus in this series. That can’t happen again.

Atlanta has also been “letting Milwaukee off the hook”. The caveat is that it’s not entirely under their control.