Atlanta Hawks Beat Kings for 15th Straight Time, 103-97
By John Buhler
The Atlanta Hawks snap their 3-game losing streak to keep on intact, as they beat the Sacramento Kings for the 15th straight time, 103-97 Wednesday night.
The Atlanta Hawks get back in the win column Wednesday night after dethrone the Sacramento Kings for the 15th straight meeting, 103-97. Though Sacramento entered Wednesday night’s game with a 4-7 record, the Kings had won three straight games after a rough 1-7 start to their year.
For as dysfunctional as the national media tends to believe they are, this is an improved roster over last year’s group in their first full season under HC George Karl. However, this team still needs to fix a few things to stay competitive night in and night out. While Sacramento shot from a higher clip (44.2% to 42.7%) and out rebounded Atlanta (58 to 49), the Kings’ 21 turnovers to Atlanta’s 21 was the difference in this ball game.
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Atlanta’s offense came most from three players: Paul Millsap, Dennis Schroder, and Al Horford. Millsap had team highs in points (24), rebounds (16), steals (3), and blocks (2). Though he only shot 9-19 from the field, his baskets and strong defensive play were what got the Atlanta Hawks over the top in this one.
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Schroder had his best game starting at the point in place of Jeff Teague, whose ankle is still bothering him. Dennis had 22 points on 9-21 shooting with 6 assists. His best stat of the night was one turnover. Given how careless he was with the basketball in Brooklyn, it was enjoyable to watch him try to out-duel his idol in Sacramento PG Rajon Rondo, who had himself a triple-double in defeat (12 points, 10 assists, and 12 rebounds).
Al Horford had 17 points and 2 blocks having to play a physical game against Sacramento’s superstar center DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins eviscerated Horford on the glass 12 to 1. Though Horford played well tonight, one rebound in 31:38 minutes played for a starting center isn’t something to feel great about, even if he did have to guard Boogie Cousins.
The Atlanta Hawks move to 9-5 on the year with their Wednesday night victory. Wouldn’t you know, the Atlanta Hawks have a whopping three days off before their next basketball game. Atlanta will travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena, Saturday night at 7:30 PM ET.
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Cleveland sits at 8-3 atop the Eastern Conference and will face division rival Milwaukee at the Q Thursday night before hosting the Hawks on Saturday. This is a great opportunity to get an extra day of rest before playing LeBron James and company. Good to end the losing before heading to Cleveland. Let’s Go Hawks!