Kevin Huerter and De’Andre Hunter silver linings in Atlanta Hawks loss
Atlanta Hawks (34-35) fans in search of positives to cling to following the 116-106 loss to the Charlotte Hornets should look no further than Kevin Huerter and De’Andre Hunter. This loss represents a wasted opportunity to move up in the standings. While the Hawks are still 4.5 games up for the final play-in spot, they could have been one half-game back from the eight-seed.
The difference between the eighth seed as opposed to the ninth or tenth is an extra crack at earning a final playoff spot.
Unfortunately, after Wednesday, the Hawks now have a 3-6 record against the other teams currently in the play-in. The Toronto Raptors, currently the seven-seed, have won five straight joining the Hornets who have now won three in a row.
The Atlanta Hawks starting wings have thrived over the last two weeks
Despite having their most efficient lineup neutralized by foot and finger injuries to John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanovic slumping, the Hawks have won two of their last three and five of their last eight overall. The loss broke up just the third time this season that they won more than two games in a row.
Both Huerter and Hunter did their best to uplift the team as Trae Young struggled mightily.
Huerter knocked down four three for the fourth time in the past five games en route to 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals while hitting 4-of-9 triples. He’s averaging 14.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game over his last seven appearances.
The fourth-year wing is shooting 44.7 percent from the floor and 42.0 percent from beyond the arc in that time.
That includes a five-point outing and absence due to shoulder soreness suffered – an issue he has dealt with in the past – against the Washington Wizards who are still within striking distance of the 10-seed.
Hunter poured in 21 points on an even more efficient 53.8 percent shooting from the floor while knocking down 4-of-7 threes and hauling in three boards to go with two assists. He’s averaged 18.0 points on 52.7 percent shooting from the floor and 45.9 percent from deep with 2.4 boards and 1.1 assists across the last eight games.
What stood out the most about this performance was that Huerter posted the best net rating while Hunter posted the best defensive rating. They were credited with holding their assignments to 9-of-27 shooting and 3-of-15 triples in their coverage.
Their production tailed off in the second half but so did everything else so it’s hard to single them out.
Next. 4 observations after Atlanta Hawks lose on the road in Charlotte. dark
If the Hawks are going to make it into the postseason and make some noise should they get there, they are going to need more performances such as this. Especially on nights when Young is off or they are short-handed. It just so happened they were both against the Hornets.