Atlanta Hawks: 3 key trends to watch for in Game 5 of the ECF
Atlanta Hawks key trend to watch for No. 3: Getting to the free-throw line more should be a priority in Game 5
The Hawks are shooting 77.4 percent from the free-throw line in the Eastern Conference Finals. And while this marks the third straight series they’ve seen their average at the line fall, they are still besting the Bucks who are shooting just 67.1 percent as a team. They’ve been the second-worst free-throw shooting team in the postseason.
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Too bad the Hawks haven’t been able to take advantage as they were outshot 19-13 and have attempted 62 free throws in four games while the Bucks have attempted a total of 70.
That’s just an eight-point disparity, but it wouldn’t be listed here if it were that simple.
Danilo Gallinari, whose veteran presence has been invaluable, is tied for second on the team with two attempts per game.
In the two games in Atlanta, the Hawks have actually attempted 11 fewer free throws than the Bucks. But when the venue switches to Milwaukee, where Game 5 will take place, the Hawks have a three-attempt advantage.
There are several variables at play here, not the least of which is who was officiating the game. But the type of foul that led to the free throw is also important. Was it a three, an and-one, or two points the hard way? Any one of those could change how you’d view the difference in free throw attempts between the two teams.
Except the Hawks have been penalized 13 more times than the Bucks (four more in Game 4). This isn’t too much of a surprise given Milwaukee’s defensive pedigree.
The Hawks have been able to bring the foul calls to a draw and the free throw attempts within four in the second half of games in this series. But the Bucks are plus-13 in fouls drawn and plus-12 in free throw attempts in the first half.
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Be it a need for more aggression early or just the growing pains of a young team in its first postseason, they need to take better advantage of their superior efficiency at the free-throw line.