Vit Krejci just unlocked electric way the Hawks can prove all haters wrong

The Atlanta Hawks had quite an entertaining game against the Los Angeles Clippers, where they won 105-102. The start of the game looked like a classic Hawks collapse against a beatable team, as the Clippers jumped to an early 10-point lead. Los Angeles would continue to pour on the points, led by interior dominance and James Harden’s generational playmaking.

When the Clippers jumped to a 17-point lead in the early second quarter, the game looked to be over. But against all odds, an unlikely hero emerged: Vit Krejci. Down 15 with 6:51 left in the second, Krejci cashed a corner three to bring the lead to 12. He then went nuclear, converting another deep shot off a pin down and a third pull-up triple in transition as he singlehandedly went on a 9-0 run. 

The Clippers called a timeout to regroup, but this proved fruitless as the Hawks continued their hot streak. Krejci bookended Atlanta’s 18-2 run with another transition three as the team reached its first lead of the night. He would end the first half with 17 points on 5-7 from three and one assist in what was a classic microwave scoring outburst.

Vit wasn't done as he notched a career-high 28 points. None were more critical than his late-shot clock heave from deep, which ended up being the game-winning shot. He also had a game-saving swipe on a Nicolas Batum's three point attempt that could have sent the match to overtime. What a night for the Czech point guard.

Krejci's career night was only possible with an emphasis on early offense

Krejci’s individual dominance contributed to the Hawks’ hot streak, but the overall emphasis on transition offense was what enabled him to shine. He even said so himself during his halftime interview.

Without Trae Young, the Hawks are not built to beat teams in the halfcourt – especially not a team as experienced as the Clippers. When the Hawks started pushing the break, Krejci, Zaccharie Risacher, and Jalen Johnson found easy looks that simultaneously tired a Los Angeles side whose experience leaves them prone to fatigue.

Perhaps more importantly than today’s matchup is the fact that this Atlanta team was made to run the floor. Their star without Young, Johnson, is at his best in the open floor. They have the youth to outpace opponents with the third-youngest team in the league. Most importantly, their questionable shooting and ball handling can be hidden in easy transition looks.

This isn’t an identity that is incompatible with Young, who has historically thrived in transition. Trae was in the 94th percentile of point guards in transition points per possession and 80th in frequency. In the second and third seasons of his career, Young was in the 99th percentile in fastbreak efficiency as he not-so-coincidentally achieved his peak individual and postseason success at the same time.

The Hawks seem to forget this is what their bread and butter should be. Their halfcourt offense ranks in the bottom 10 of the league, whereas they rank in the top 10 in transition points per play. While they still have work to do in transition, particularly on the glass after a fastbreak miss.

Krejci was tonight’s hero, but his career night was made possible by the easy transition looks the team generated for him. If the Hawks can continue to emphasize their transition attack, outbursts like Krejci’s will become more common as Atlanta looks to climb the Eastern Conference standings.