Atlanta Hawks Routed in San Antonio, 108-88
The Atlanta Hawks lost their second game of a back-to-back, as they were routed by the San Antonio Spurs by a score of 108-88.
The game began in promising fashion for the Atlanta Hawks, as they outscored the Spurs 25-23. As promising as the first quarter was for the visitors, the defense of the San Antonio Spurs was just too much for the Hawks to overcome. The Spurs came into Saturday’s game allowing the fewest points per game to opponents in the league, and tonight was no exception.
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The suffocating defense of the Spurs ensured that the Atlanta Hawks got almost no production in the paint, and limited Atlanta to only 37 points in the first half. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard showed why he is no longer just a defensive force, but also one of the best all-around players in the game. Leonard led the Spurs with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists, and had a +/- of +32 in the game.
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On a disappointing night for the Atlanta Hawks, Thabo Sefolosha got the start at the small forward position after sitting out of Friday’s game at Memphis. Kent Bazemore came off the bench to lead the Atlanta Hawks with 11 points. Al Horford added 10 points in a losing effort for Atlanta, while Dennis Schroder scored 9 points and dished out 6 dimes.
The Spurs got any shot they wanted on Saturday, and even on good defensive possessions for the Atlanta Hawks, found a way to sink their baskets. The Spurs shot 48 percent on the night, and made 53 percent of there three-point shots. It’s clear there are definitely similarities between Mike Budenholzer’s Hawks team and Gregg Poppovich’s Spurs team, but it’s also clear that the Atlanta Hawks have a long way to go in order to truly mirror San Antonio.
Fatigue definitely played a role in tonight’s route, as the Atlanta Hawks played their fourth game in five nights. The team looked tired, and was unable to compete with the constant energy of the Spurs. As of now, the Atlanta Hawks have played the most games of any NBA team with 19; and as my co-editor John Buhler has astutely observed, it will not get any easier in the near future.
Next: Atlanta Hawks vs. Spurs Preview
The Atlanta Hawks return to Philips Arena for a three-game homestand next week that will begin with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The road does not get an easier for the Atlanta Hawks, but they must remain resilient and dig deep in order to stay afloat. This loss hurts, but going 2-2 in a four games in five night stretch is admirable.