Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks: Studs and duds after falling to Nets and a .500 record

By Joshua Buckhalter

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 03: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 03, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 03: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 03, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks stud from loss to the Nets: De’Andre Hunter’s offense hit another gear

De’Andre Hunter is obviously a key to the Hawks plans on winning a championship. As their best perimeter defender, he has one of the toughest jobs on any given night. Not only must he at least slow down what is often an All-Star caliber player, he has to provide a consistent threat on offense.

We got a glimpse into what that would look like for the third-year wing as he led the team (and was second in the game) with 26 points. Hunter was efficient too, shooting 90.9 percent shooting overall and a perfect 6-for-6 from three.

It was reminiscent of the stretch he had before suffering his meniscus injury last season. Hunter averaged 22.4 points per game on 54.9 percent shooting over a five-game period.

He wouldn’t break the 20-point mark again the rest of last season, though, he did come close in Game 2 of the first round against the Philadelphia 76ers. Sadly, his run was cut short after he was shut down following the deciding Game 5 of that series.

Hunter entered the evening averaging 10.7 points and 2.8 rebounds with a 46.5 true shooting percentage.

All of those represent career-lows.

This was as welcome of a sign as there has been from Hunter and just adds to the firepower the Hawks have. The next step for him is being consistent. He has reached that defensively. If he can do the same on offense the Hawks are going to be even more dangerous.

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