De’Andre Hunter can often be used as a barometer for the Atlanta Hawks. When he is struggling, then the team feels like it has lost one of its cornerstones and their game can start to crumble around them. However, when he plays well, they are almost unstoppable.
Hunter was solid in the first half. He showed his usual stout defense, with Miles Bridges going 3-of-6 from the floor which was only good for six points. He did create for others with three assists though. Given that Bridges was the Hornets’ leading scorer on the team over the 2021-22 season if Hunter was able to basically break even, this is a win.
In the first half Hunter only connect on a single shot, a good-looking 3-ball in the first quarter. However, Hunter would not stay quiet for long. In a second-half reminiscent of the game against the Chicago Bulls, Hunter put his stamp on the game which in turn helped superstar point guard Trae Young break the shackles as well.
How De’Andre Hunter makes the Atlanta Hawks offense better
The Hawks’ offense really benefits from Hunter when he is on. Firstly, thanks to the work he put in when the league was suspended thanks to the initial Covid-19 shutdown, he is strong. This means that he is able to create a mismatch, even against his own player, and can punish them in the post.
Secondly, he is a tremendous floor spacer. His 3-point shooting has improved this season where he is now making 37.9 percent of his attempts. This means that his defender is having to defend him closer to the line where Hunter has shown the ability to step around his player and attack the hoop.
When he does this, Hunter can step into a mid-range jumper or even get to the hoop where he is tough to stop. He has such a good understanding of where the ball is going to come off the rim that he is becoming a good offensive rebounder. He is then able to finish through contact, often putting the opposition in foul trouble and giving himself the chance at a 3-point play.
However, where Hunter helps this offense the most is when he is moving. While this is true for every player, Hunter moving just gives Young another option to pass to, and when Hunter is near the rim he is usually the player who is left for the double team and there is no pressure on his shot.
16 points on 7-of-8 shooting in the third period attest to this. The more De’Andre Hunter plays the way he did against the Charlotte Hornets, the more games the Atlanta Hawks are going to win.