Atlanta Hawks: What Went Wrong Versus Bulls? What’s next?
Defense
Defensively the Atlanta Hawks blitzed and trapped guard Zach LaVine with mostly positive results. LaVine managed to still score 26 points but was 9/19 shooting, making just 1/7 for three. The Hawks also forced him to commit an astounding nine turnovers.
The Hawks also defended well overall, allowing the Bulls to shoot just 36 percent from three and 43.4% from the field. Reserve forward Jabari Parker hurt the Hawks though, scoring 18 points on 7/16 shooting and 3/6 threes. He was particularly effective when guarded by Vince Carter.
Rebounding
The Atlanta Hawks were also out rebounded in the game by seven, 59 to 52. Personally I like Alex Len in the starting lineup for his rim protection and ability to finish at the rim, but he must come with consistent energy night in, and night out.
Solutions
Dewayne Dedmon is waiting in the wings, if Alex Len can’t bring that energy on a nightly basis. If Len plays lethargic to start games like he did against Chicago, coach Pierce will have to consider a switch.
A switch that Lloyd Pierce should implement immediately is replacing veteran Vince Carter in the starting lineup. Vince is a future hall of fame player who brings leadership and three-point shooting to the starting lineup and not much else.
Vince Carter is too small to hang with long athletic power forwards on the glass, and not quick enough to guard starting NBA wings. There is certainly a playing role on this team for Vince, but starting should not be it. The Hawks would be wise to start Omari Spellman until John Collins returns.
Next Opponent
Tonight the Atlanta Hawks will get the opportunity to make adjustments as they visit the Philadelphia 76ers at 7PM. The Hawks will have to change the matchups as most teams do. Trae Young should not be asked to check 6’10 point guard Ben Simmons at all.
Trae Young should draw second year guard, and former number one overall pick, Markelle Fultz in an interesting matchup. Taurean Prince or Kent Bazemore will be asked to slow down Simmons, with the other tasked with staying glued to the three-point shooting Robert Covington.
Alex Len, Dewayne Dedmon, and Omari Spellman will be assigned the mission of slowing down superstar center Joel Embiid. Should they get into foul trouble, Miles Plumlee is also waiting for his shot. Embiid is a load to stop and leads Philly averaging 29.2 points, and 10.5 rebounds per game.
I will certainly be watching tonight on Fox Sports Southeast to see what adjustments Lloyd Pierce makes, and how the young Atlanta Hawks will rebound after their first home loss of the season.
Next. A Deeper Look at Young Vs Doncic. dark
What adjustments would you like to see coach Pierce make? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Keep it locked to ATL All Day for analysis on the Atlanta Hawks vs the Philadelphia 76ers, and Hawks games all season long.
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