The Atlanta Hawks need to combat the hack-a-Clint strategy

The Atlanta Hawks have recovered from a horrific stretch where they lost six-straight games, including four on the road. Since they have returned to State Farm Arena they have managed to pull out three straight wins, including beating last season’s champions, the Milwaukee Bucks.

In that game, the Hawks were far enough in front in the final quarter that the Bucks did not resort to any tactics to try and slow down the Hawks’ offense. However, it was a different story in the next two games.

Against the Orlando Magic, the visitors were still reasonably close with less than five minutes to go. They chose to foul Clint Capela away from the ball in an effort to stop the Hawks’ offense. Fortunately for the Hawks, Capela was able to make some of these free throws and stayed in the game.

The Atlanta Hawks need to help Clint Capela work on his free throws

Against the Boston Celtics, the Swiss pivot was again fouled with less than four minutes to go in an effort to stop the Hawks’ momentum. While Capela was still able to split the pair, coach Nate McMillan still took him out of the game.

Fortunately, the Celtics did not have any big men who could cause the Hawks any drama’s down the stretch. This could have also been a load management move as he has only just got his rhythm back after a very interrupted offseason.

Last season we talked about Capela’s free throws being very important to the Hawks. just prior to this season starting Bogdan Bogdanovic stayed back to give Capela a hand after a training session.

Capela is shooting the ball at 54.5 percent from the line this season which is a little over his career number of 53.5. Last season Capela was slightly better, going at 57.3 percent from the line. There is plenty of room for improvement and if the Hawks are going to make a deep playoff run, Capela needs to be on the floor and his free throw shooting is a key for that.