Atlanta Hawks: Studs and duds after beating Hornets for fourth straight win

Atlanta Hawks stud from fourth-straight win: Danilo Gallinari things back on track in this one

Danilo Gallinari earned the quick reversal after his 16 points off of the bench that included going 2-of-4 from downtown and 8-fo-8 at the free-throw line. He was just in the ‘dud’ section following the last game when he had just eight points, He was efficient overall in that game against the Celtics and had four boards.

But he also struggled from deep and was a liability on defense; two things the Hawks cannot afford in their current state.

Gallo, who shot 42.6 percent from the floor, also had six rebounds and two assists.

The longtime vet had only scored 10-plus points in three of Atlanta’s last eight games before his solid night against the Hornets.

As for his defense, he finished with three steals and a block. The takeaways were his most in a game this season and the block was just his third of the season but second in the last three games.

He allowed his assignments to shoot 40 percent from the floor, a major improvement from the 100 percent they got on him last game. Much of it had to do with who he guarded, sticking mostly stationary shooters in this one after getting caught on a few switches last time out.

Atlanta’s bench is shortened with Huerter starting. Having Gallo provide similar scoring isn’t the issue. We know what he can do in that regard.

The question was always how would he hold up when matched up more frequently against wings.

As long as Gallinari doesn’t hurt the Hawks defensively in his minutes, an knock down his shots of course, they will be just fine braving it without Hunter for a good chunk of the second straight season.