Atlanta Hawks Lose a Tough One to Utah Jazz, 97-96
By John Buhler
The Atlanta Hawks lose a heartbreaker at home to the Utah Jazz Sunday night, falling to their Western Conference opponent, 97-96 in the final possession.
The Atlanta Hawks played a tough, physical game with the up-and-coming Utah Jazz at home Sunday night. This game went down to the wire, but ultimately went the Jazz’s way. With 3.6 seconds left in regulation, Coach Bud called a time out to hopefully set up the game-winning play down 97-96. Paul Millsap wasn’t able to make his shot and Atlanta lost their first home game to the Jazz since 2010.
There was a lot to get up for this game, as Head Coach Mike Budenholzer’s top assistant in 2013-14 is the head coach of the Utah Jazz in Quin Snyder. Both teams run a similar system, with Atlanta being more gifted offensively and Utah incredible on the defensive end. The Atlanta Hawks took the NBA by storm a year ago, while many view the Jazz as a team destined to get back in the playoffs after missing out on them the last few years.
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While Atlanta got Coach Bud back from his family emergency that kept him from making the trip to Boston, the Hawks did not have PG Jeff Teague available for this game, as he rolled his ankle badly at the TD Garden Friday Night. The Atlanta Hawks could have used some Teague Time in this one, as the team always seemed one possession behind the Jazz.
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Going into this game, Atlanta wasn’t going to do very well on the boards with guys like C Rudy Gobert and PF Derrick Favors on the Jazz. Atlanta did hold their own on the glass, with Utah beating the Hawks in that department 47-37. There weren’t many rebounds available in this game as both clubs shot the ball well from the floor (Utah 51.3%, Atlanta 48.7%).
Leading the way for Atlanta was none other than PF Paul Millsap, who no doubt was going to have a big game versus his former team. Millsap had a game-high 28 points and a team-high 6 rebounds.
However, the Jazz had two players that played marvelously tonight in SG Rodney Hood and PF Derrick Favors. Hood had 20 points, shooting 4 of 9 from three-point range. Favors had a team-high 23 points and 9 rebounds in his return to his native Atlanta.
Next: Atlanta Hawks: Slight Defensive Concerns?
The Atlanta Hawks are now in the midst of their first losing streak of the 2015-16 NBA Season. Atlanta will take their 8-4 record to Brooklyn when they take on the Nets at the Barclays Center on Tuesday. Tip off is at 7:30 PM ET and coverage will air on Fox Sports Southeast. Hopefully Atlanta can get back to their winning ways Tuesday night. Let’s Go Hawks!