Without many of their regular summer league rotation players, the Atlanta Hawks were blown out 101-80 by the Boston Celtics on Sunday night at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The loss bookended Atlanta’s time in Sin City, marking their first and only loss of the schedule.
Boston raced out to an early 7-point lead after one quarter and kept the Hawks at an arms-length the rest of the way. Former Miami Hurricanes guard Isaiah Wong tormented Atlanta’s defense for a game-high 18 points. Fellow bench players Jalen Bridges and Ben Gregg reached double-figures as well.
The Hawks, on the other hand, were missing key players including Kobe Bufkin, Asa Newell, Jacob Toppin, Nikola Durisic, and Eli N'Diaye. Without this slew of pieces, Atlanta turned the keys over to other young players to build depth.
Bufkin was particularly important for this summer league roster. As the starting point guard Bufkin played a key role offensively, setting up each possession with his high offensive IQ and pick and roll ability. Bufkin’s absence was sorely felt this game, as the Hawks looked much more stagnant offensively than they had previously.
As expected, this game came with its fair share of speed bumps.
Kobe Bufkin’s absence was felt
Without their offensive leader, the Hawks struggled to set up their attack. They sputtered, committing 16 turnovers and shooting a mere 43.1% from the field. On the other end, they struggled to defend the perimeter. Boston bombed away, attempting an eye-popping 52 threes and hitting 19 of them.
Atlanta’s defense never recovered, as the team was outscored in each of the first three quarters, scoring 20 or fewer points in all of them. Boston also held a sizable 44-34 advantage in rebounding. Newell and N’Diaye not patrolling the paint allowed for the Celtics’ height to flex its muscle.
Kobe Johnson led the Hawks with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals, and was undeniably the brightest spot in the one-sided contest. His high level of activity on both ends stood out, competing until the final buzzer. Adam Flagler (13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) and Nelly Junior Joseph (11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists) were the only other Hawks in double-figures. Atlanta stuck to a 9-man rotation under coach Bryan Bailey.
While Johnson, Flagler, and Joseph had solid offensive games, the Hawks were ultimately doomed without their leader on offense, Kobe Bufkin. Bufkin was likely rested because he has already proven himself and his future value for this Atlanta roster.
Bufkin turned a corner of sorts during summer league, and the offense looking shaky without him on the court should be a testament to his value to this summer league roster.
The Hawks will look ahead to their preseason schedule, which will likely be announced in early August. They still have one remaining roster spot (and have rumors about who could fill it), and will look to cap a fantastic offseason.