Atlanta Hawks: 4 Observations from Pistons Game

Oct 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ersan Ilyasova (23) reacts to a play as Atlanta Hawks forward Tiago Splitter (11) is shown in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Pistons won 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

1. Struggles Off the Glass: The biggest weakness for the Atlanta Hawks last season — and especially in the playoffs — was the team’s inability to corral key rebounds on both the offensive and defensive end. Last night against Detroit, the Atlanta Hawks once again failed to rebound the ball effectively, which in turn afforded Detroit second chances on the offensive end, killing the Hawks’ chances of coming back. The Pistons hot-shooting exacerbated the issue, as they shot 41.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Oct 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) attempts a shot against Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) and forward Paul Millsap (4) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Pistons won 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason, the Atlanta Hawks’ front-office made a concerted effort to combat the lack of rebounding on the team by adding a legitimate center in Tiago Splitter and also signing 7’3” prospect Walter Tavares to a multi-year deal. Last night as the Hawks struggled to match up against the size and the physicality of the Pistons, Head Coach Mike Budenholzer decided to go small for most of the game, only utilizing Splitter for 16 minutes. In a game with the rebound differential was 59-40 and 23-7 on the offensive end in favor of the Pistons, extra size could have benefited the Hawks greatly.

The Hawks also need to improve their perimeter defense. The Pistons exploited this and made 12 out of 29 three-pointers on the night. This is similar to what occurred against Cleveland in the ECF in the postseason — and the Atlanta Hawks must do a better job of defending the outside.

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