Atlanta Hawks: Studs and duds from demoralizing loss to 76ers

Atlanta Hawks dud from demoralizing loss to 76ers: De’Andre Hunter was ineffective on both ends

De’Andre Hunter was riding high just a couple of games ago for his work in limiting New Orlean Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram in crunch time. But after struggling to contain Bradley Beal and not faring much better on Kyle Kuzma versus the Wizards, he let Tobias Harris go for 22 points on 69.2 percent shooting in his most efficient. Harris also canned 2-of-5 threes.

The overall field goal percentage was his highest of the season. He also had 11 boards and four assists making this arguably his best game of the season over his opening night 20-point, 12-rebound outing.

In that playoff series, Harris averaged 19.4/7.4/3.3 while slashing .475/.364/.842 over the five games with Hunter shelved.

Hunter’s offense had been a bit of a struggle to start the season as he averaged 11.5 points on 37.0 percent shooting and 27.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc over the first two games. After sitting out the win against the Detroit Pistons, he bounced back with the same points per game but on 47.4 percent overall and 75.0 percent three-point efficiency.

The issues popped back up against Philly.

He shot a tough 30 percent from the floor and was 0-for-2 from deep. There were a few too many moments like the one above when he found himself with 6-foot-2 Seth Curry guarding him and the 6-foot-8 Hunter settled for a jumper instead of attacking and it didn’t work.

Worse still, he grabbed just three boards, had no assist, and turned the ball over three times.

It’s a big season for Hunter. Travis Schlenk has said he would like to get an extension done with him as well as Reddish.

But he has to be much more consistent, at least on the defensive end, to earn that. There is a lot of season left and he has a better track record than what he’s shown of late. But, as with many of the underperforming parts of this team, they have to get it together.