Korver Leads Atlanta Hawks in Game One over Nets

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Brooklyn Nets in tonight’s series opener 99-92.  Kyle Korver led the way for the Hawks with 21 points, shooting 5-11 from 3-point range.  Atlanta built a lead in the first quarter and never relinquished it.  Though Brooklyn did mount a few offense runs around Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez, and Thaddeus Young, the Atlanta Hawks remained in control throughout the ball game.

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True to this team’s identity, it was the collective defensive effort by the Hawks that carried the squad through a fairly inconsistent shooting night.  Brooklyn had to earn its buckets on second-shot opportunities and turned the ball over seventeen times, leading to multiple fast break points for Atlanta.  Despite still nursing a shoulder injury, Paul Millsap was one of four Hawks with two steals in tonight’s contest.

It seemed like the Atlanta Hawks were always able to come through in clutch situations, whether DeMarre Carroll grabbed a highly contested rebound or Kyle Korver drained a much-needed 3-pointer.  The team played with poise and never seemed in any sort of panic.

This wasn’t a complete game for the Hawks by any means as Atlanta turned the ball over fourteen times.  Brook Lopez had his way on the glass, finishing with a game high fourteen rebounds.  Perhaps Mike Muscala and Elton Brand might need to come off the bench, as neither big man played a second in Game One.  Look for Head Coach Mike Budenholzer to make the necessary adjustments before Game Two Wednesday Night.