Georgia Tech’s Jarrett Jack Providing a Tough Challenge for the Hawks

Apr 19, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jarrett Jack (0) works against Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Nets 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The first two games of the Hawks first round series vs. the Nets have been a little closer than expected. A win is a win, but the narrow margin of victory (6 ppg) is a lot closer than the season series (17.25 ppg). One of the reasons for this has been the emergence of former Georgia Tech standout Jarrett Jack.

Jack has had a lengthy NBA career as a solid bench player and occasional starter. He has been in that role this year, and has excelled so far in the series.

For the season, Jack averaged 12 ppg – but he’s bumped that up to 18 ppg in the playoffs. He is shooting lights out: 14 of 21 in the first two games.

Jack has increased his production despite averaging five minutes less per game than in the regular season. With the energy and level of play he has exhibited thus far, you have to scratch your head why he hasn’t stayed in the game more. Luckily for the Hawks, they were able to win the first two games before his hometown stroke cost them one.

The question moving forward will be if Jarrett can continue his solid play for the Nets away from Atlanta? If so, things could tighten up in the series when it resumes on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, Jack played at Georgia Tech from 2002-05, helping the Yellow Jackets reach the national championship game in 2004 where they lost to UConn.

The Nets also feature former GA Tech Forward Thaddeus Young. He has been on the floor more than Jack during this series as a starter but hasn’t had quite the production with 9.7 ppg and 8.6 rebounds.

So far so good for Tech/Hawk fans as their favorite players of the past have done well in the series while the Hawks have still won. Game 3 will be played in Brooklyn at 3:00 Saturday afternoon (TNT/FSS).