Atlanta Hawks: Studs and duds from second loss to the Utah Jazz

As the Atlanta Hawks see their losing streak hit five games the search for answers rages on. They’ve lost seven of their last eight, have allowed an average of over 118 points per game in that span. Opponents have scored 120-plus points on them in four of the eight games, all losses.

Offensively, they’ve averaged just over 107 points per game; about six points fewer than last season.

This has led Nate McMillan to connect the lackluster defense to a disjointed offense, saying players have been bringing tough shooting nights or bad officiating with them to the other side of the court.

They’ve had too many uncharacteristic mental lapses, even from the team’s best in that regard.

The Atlanta Hawks have seen their losing streak extended to five games

One of their best from the night was certainly Trae Young. The fourth-year superstar point guard finished the night with 27 points and six assists. He shot 47.6 percent from the floor and went 5-of-11 from beyond the arc. It was one of his best days shooting the long ball as Young has been feeling it from deep of late.

He’s hit 13-of-28 threes over the Hawks last three contests, good for a 46.4 percent average. Young had been 3-for-16 from downtown over the previous three outings. It wasn’t all good for Young as he had six turnovers for the second time in three games.

Four of those came in the second half though the Hawks still won the turnover battle.

Still, his was a mostly positive showing. Yet it was not the one to earn the stud of the game. That went to someone who was filling in as a starter.