Atlanta Hawks: What Went Wrong Versus Bulls? What’s next?

The Atlanta Hawks were unable to overcome their shooting woes. For the game they shot just 32.1% from the field and 30% from three-point range, on 40 attempts.

Trae Young had an off night, shooting just 3/12 and failed to make a three-point shot, in six attempts. He made just one mid range jumpshot and two layups. He scored 13 points but seven came from the free throw line in nine attempts.

Kent Bazemore followed up a career high 32 points against Dallas, with a sub par eight point effort, on 3/9 shooting and 1/4 from three.

Alex Len looked slow and plodding in this game, as his energy level appeared to be down. The Hawks center tallied just four points and four rebounds. He shot just 2/6 in 17 minutes of play. He also failed to block a shot.

Vince Carter shot the ball from outside, making 4/7 from distance. However Vince was a step slow on defense, drawing five fouls. He also only contributed two rebounds from the power forward position.

Taurean Waller-Prince was the only Atlanta starter who had a decent night scoring the basketball. He scored 16 points on 5/14 shooting, 2/5 from downtown.

Center Dewayne Dedmon provided a big boost off of the bench. His energy was a major reason the Hawks stayed in the game. Dedmon recorded his first double-double of the season, scoring 13 points and snagging 13 rebounds. Dewayne was the only Hawk to make 50% of his shots. (5-10)

DeAndre’ Bembry was also active, chipping in eight points, two assists, and three steals. He made 2/5 from downtown. Kevin Huerter chipped in two made threes as well, on four attempts. His hustle and defense were very helpful, as were his six rebounds.

Omari Spellman added eight boards for the second unit. However Spellman was way off with his shooting, failing to make a basket on five field goal attempts. Three of those attempts were from beyond the arch. Backup point guard Jeremy Lin also shot 0/5 for the game, 0/2 from three.

Solutions

Coach Lloyd Peirce wants the Atlanta Hawks taking a multitude of three-point shots, however it’s about the quality of those shots. The Hawks often took difficult three-point shots off the dribble or with a hand in their face. They need to penetrate more to create drive and kick threes.

The Chicago Bulls and rookie center Wendell Carter did a good job of packing the paint yet the Hawks often settled for threes, rather than force the issue. The Hawks must challenge that type of defense by attacking and moving the ball, rather than just settling for outside shots. 22 points in the paint certainly aren’t enough.