Hawks' undeniable Onyeka Okongwu problem exposed during critical in-division loss

Optimism in Atlanta lasted just one game.

Not that there isn't plenty of time to turn it around, but after a promising performance immediately following the All-Star break, fans were hoping at least some of that effort would be replicated the next night.

Tired legs were a factor, no doubt, but that's no excuse to get steamrolled at home by a team with similar roster makeup. Nights like Friday against the Heat are especially infuriating when problems that've plagued the team since the beginning of the year are brought back into the forefront.

For Atlanta, their weak interior was the biggest reason they got blown out on their home floor. The weakness has become more noticeable as the season's progressed, and it was on full display in their latest deflating performance.

Onyeka Okongwu's been having an objectively solid season. The improvements he's made in not just his outside shot, but his overall offensive brilliance, shouldn't go unnoticed. This leap on one end, however, has seemingly come at the expense of a key part of his game.

Hawks fans have seen this story time and time again. As soon as a player takes off and becomes the best version of themselves offensively, their defensive presence begins to suffer tremendously. Onyeka Okongwu's struggles on that end are beginning to overshadow his remarkable improvements.

Putting it simply, the Hawks need a paint beast next to Jalen Johnson.

When a team's starting frontcourt consists of their two most reliable offensive players, that's usually a sign that they're on an impressive trajectory. When they're both negative defenders, however, it becomes very difficult to build a winner around them. It's as simple as that.

On Friday night, the Miami Heat took full advantage of Atlanta's glaring weakness, consistently attacking the middle. That's good coaching, ladies and gentlemen. Erik Spoelstra's had his way with the Hawks over the years, and their most recent matchup was no different.

Bam Adebayo's green light was immediately noticeable. Their gameplan was clear, paving the way for everyone in their frontcourt to eat. In their 31-point rout of the Hawks, Adebayo dropped 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Kel'el Ware recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.

Miami also dominated Atlanta on the glass, winning the rebound margin 58-46. This has become an underwhelming trend, and if the Hawks want any chance at a playoff run, they need to get serious about protecting the paint.

Their next matchup comes at home against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, giving their frontcourt a golden opportunity to bounce back against a similarly weak interior.