One of the biggest strengths of this year's Atlanta Hawks team is their versatility.
On both ends of the floor, Quin Snyder's group can attack their opponents in a variety of ways. Defensively, everyone on the court, at all times, can handle players bigger or smaller than them. Offensively, everyone is capable of not only handling the rock and making the right reads, but stepping into the right outside looks and letting it fly.
At least, that's the plan. They won't be able to shoot lights out from deep every night. Struggles are inevitable, especially from range. Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu - two of Atlanta's reliable outside shooters - were ice cold during their opening night road contest.
Their obvious struggles didn't stop Atlanta from stealing a win
It's rare that a team sees two of their most important offensive weapons not perform well from such a vital aspect of their attack on that end, yet still come away with a victory. The Hawks clearly didn't need Johnson and Okongwu to light it up from deep.
And they certainly didn't. Johnson's 0-4 night from beyond the arc was met by Okongwu doing the exact same.
Even with two usually-reliable outside shooters unable to knock one down, Atlanta's ability to adapt and rely on others proved crucial in their opening night performance.
As a team, they shot 39% from three - despite a combined 0-8 from those anchoring their frontcourt. Dyson Daniels was also unable to hit one of his own, although a 18.8% mark from deep last season makes it a bit unsurprising.
Like Johnson, however, Daniels found other ways to impact the game. Okongwu did, as well, but was more quiet in the overall box score. Daniels and Johnson each had 20 points, despite not connecting on any of their attempts from deep.
They can put their struggles behind them and stay atop the standings
For now, the Hawks are right up there with the Philadelphia 76ers at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Of course, they certainly aren't the only undefeated team. The standings could, and likely will, look drastically different by season's end.
If Johnson, Okongwu and Daniels are all able to make the defense pay from deep in their follow-up game to opening night, it will prove to the hard work they put in this offseason.
Another road battle - this time against the Charlotte Hornets - awaits Atlanta.
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