While the Atlanta Hawks experienced a play-in hangover in the first game against the Miami Heat. They went down in the first period and then never recovered. Starts seem to be a problem for the Hawks as we have seen all season.
The Hawks went down against the Cavaliers early and it took a Trae Young takeover in order to get past them. He had a quiet first half against the Hornets as well, until he and De’Andre Hunter took over in the third period and when Hunter plays the way that he did, the Hawks usually win.
The Hawks found out in Game No. 1 of their playoff series with the Miami Heat that it is a totally different animal to come back from. Their experience, toughness and playoff knowhow will make life difficult for their opponents.
The Atlanta Hawks need to be ready from the outset of every game.
The Atlanta Hawks cannot afford to play catch-up ball in this series. When the Heat get a lead, especially during the playoffs, they tend to not relinquish it. They are experienced enough to know how to ruthlessly keep a team from coming back.
Hopefully this playoff series does not become a lesson for the Hawks. Their slow starts have been an issue for much of the season. What Young has done for much of the season was to get his guys involved in the first period and then he can take over in the second half.
Well, the problem is that the Heat are drilled far to well in how to defend an opponent as a team. They have Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and the toughness that is Kyle Lowry who are going to ensure that if they have a team struggling then they are going to keep them there.
The Hawks need to come out of the gates early and take the game to the Heat. If they can do this, then they have the potential to win the second game. If they let the Heat jump them again, then the Hawks will struggle to be competive again.