Atlanta Hawks C Clint Capela’s defense is evolving with the times

Atlanta Hawks (32-34) center Clint Capela logged his first double-double in three games with 14 points and 11 rebounds in the 112-106 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.  It was his 27th of the season, good for 12th among the NBA’s pivots. He fell short in each of the previous two games recording nine points and 12 rebounds followed by 11 points and nine boards.

Before that, though, he had back-to-back double-doubles in wins over the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards.

The Hawks are just 13-14 in those games but there are many other factors.

One new wrinkle was on display versus Los Angeles that could make a world of difference going forward. It’s something we had seen from Capela’s backup, Onyeka Okongwu, but hadn’t gotten from the eight-year vet.

Clint Capela switching onto guards could pay huge dividends for the Atlanta Hawks

On a play that was pointed out by Hawks.com writer Kevin Chouinard, Capela steps out onto the perimeter to take on Clippers guard Reggie Jackson after a couple of switches with roughly 30 seconds on the clock and the Hawks up four points. Capela proceeds to match Jackson, move for move, denying him driving access to the basket.

The play resulted in a desperate heave from Jackson who almost got caught in the air but passed out. He got the ball back to hoist a three to beat the shot clock but, you guessed it, Capela was right there with a hand in his face.

Capela is credited with holding Jackson to 1-of-6 shooting when cross-matched including 0-3 from downtown. Jackson was 8-of-14 otherwise hitting two big layups and dishing out three assists from the 4:16 mark until that missed three.

Chouinard’s co-host on the ‘ATL and 29’ podcast, Glen Willis, provided even further insight into just how difficult of a task it was that Capela had accomplished.

"“The most telling part of this possession is when Zubac completely seals off Hunter creating an otherwise unimpeded path to the rim for Jackson, but Jackson can’t work past Capela”"

Chouinard also shared a nugget from Kevin Huerter, who had 16 points and hit two dagger threes in the fourth quarter, about the switch that is telling about Capela’s willingness to evolve with the times.

"“More and more teams are starting to allow the 5-man to guard the ball, guard the point guard. That’s something Clint has been telling us he can do all year.”"

Friday’s contest began with Capela notching six points and three boards in the first quarter while the broadcast team confirmed he wanted to be more of an aggressor early on. He tallied 10 points and five rebounds by halftime but, more importantly, he had taken (and made) five shots from the floor.

He’s had 15 games with five or fewer attempts this season.

Still, none of that is as important as this not-so-newfound ability to hold his own on the perimeter. Not when the Hawks have been killed by dribble penetration all season because their guards struggle to fight over screens.