The Hawks‘ decision to load up on players who excel at dribbling, passing and shooting has helped them turn into an instant contender, writes Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Appearing in the playoffs for the first time since 2017, Atlanta had too much offense for the Knicks to handle in their first-round matchup, then surprised the Sixers in Game 1 of the conference semifinals.
The Hawks began their turnaround by drafting Trae Young in 2018. They have steadily built the offense around him, with deadly shooters like Danilo Gallinari and Bogdan Bogdanovic among their offseason additions. Atlanta set a franchise record by making 20 three-pointers in Sunday’s win at Philadelphia.
“That’s something we do. We have a lot of guys who can shoot the ball,” Kevin Huerter said. “When we get the ball moving side-to-side and not take the first shot on possessions, we’re a team that is capable of hitting 20 a game. I hope we don’t need to hit 20 moving forward in the series, but anytime you shoot like that, you give yourself a really good chance to win.”
There’s more from Atlanta:
- One of the impressive things about Sunday’s victory is that it came without De’Andre Hunter, the team’s best perimeter defender, Kirschner adds. Hunter was ruled out after experiencing pain in his right knee, which was operated on in February to fix a partially torn meniscus. Hunter has felt on-and-off soreness in the knee since the surgery. He was able to do some shooting Monday and is considered a game-time decision for Game 2, Kirschner tweets.
- After three seasons in Sacramento, Bogdanovic is thrilled to finally be in the NBA playoff spotlight, notes Paolo Uggetti of The Ringer. Bogdanovic earned a reputation as a big-game player in Europe before coming to the United States. “Here, he had to perform under pressure all the time,” said Maurizio Gherardini, general manager of Bogdanovic’s former Fenerbahce team. “But he likes that sort of pressure. … He was not afraid of that kind of responsibility on his shoulders.”
- Young said in a recent radio interview that he expects Nate McMillan to be installed as the team’s permanent head coach, but isn’t surprised an announcement hasn’t been made yet, relays Tim Daniels of Bleacher Report. Counting the playoffs, McMillan is 32-12 since becoming interim coach. “It’s just the timing. We’re in the playoffs, it’s the end of the season,” Young said. “I don’t think it’s something they want to take away from the team right now. I mean, obviously, he’s done a great job with helping us turn this around, so I’d be surprised if he’s not with us next year.”
Hawks missed 3 nba top tier defenders on Game 1
Hunter
Reddish
Kris Dunn
Game 1
Embiid
39 points and 9 rebounds
Simmons and Harris played good too
76ers need firepower from the bench
If not for the Nets the Hawks could be the best team in the East in the next few years. A solid roster.
Hawks should be No 1 seed next season
Embiid and Nets starters will never be healthy
Current Top 3 seeds are not improving
Knicks are all about imagination
Use cap room for Kelly Oubre？
The Hawks still have a lot to prove. Six years ago they won 60 games, but that was a fluke. Let’s see them win just 50 next season (or reach the ECF later this month) before calling them serious contenders to dethrone the Nets.
Fenerbahce are in Turkey, not Serbia. So was his reputation earned in the euro league with Fenerbahce, or with a previous club in the Serbian league? It’s unclear. Hate to be that guy, but I think fans should learn more about the game being played around the world.
Dribbling, passing, AND shooting? Who knew.
I’ve been saying for two yrs now Bogdanovic is a player. Was hoping Knicks would look at him. Kings were fools not to trade Buddy and keep Bogdanovic. He’s a perfect fit with Fox. He’s a big SG and is cheaper than Buddy. Big mistake . Now we see what a player he is. Hawks should move Gallinari, they don’t really need him with Hunter, Huerter, Cam. Come back to NY lol. Knicks drafted him, we could use his shooting lols.
Not gonna lie, I knew almost nothing about him in SAC. Guy is a great piece though. Since he’s been healthy Atlanta has been a different team.
Bogi been a big time player since well before 2yrs ago. He was the best rookie in his class for most of his rookie season & was a big time player for the Serbian national team & for Fener before that. People still don’t realize how good this team is tho. Kev just had a great game & made 2 game saving plays down the stretch, John scored from everywhere & had the dunk of the playoffs to seal the W, Dre is literally 1 of the best young players in the league & we just destroyed the 1seed on their home floor without even needing him. Why John, Dre & Kev get ignored so much is something I can’t understand
“Now we see what a player he is”
Don’t watch RS games Al?
Pretty smart Sankara (away from the Magic lol) but I disconnect when you use first names & most nicknames. Too familiar and unspecific
2 yrs ago is when Buddy drama started. After he signed his extension. It’s about deciding on wrong player. I guess you missed that. Since you weren’t around till Hawks made playoffs.
I watch all teams, yes them before that.
I guess you could have meant the broad, more casual sports audience by “we”.
Yeah Sacramento blew it last offseason.
I don’t think the Hawks should trade any of their guys this offseason, unless they can grab a “star” on the cheap. They have Gallo locked up for two more years (Capela too), so they can deal at the deadline, if they even want to.
Hawks are deep with talent right now. Gotta give McMillan credit for making it work. Always thought he did a good job in Indiana. Talent doesn’t always translate to chemistry. And all young guys want a bigger piece of the pie. Hawks not beating Sixers. But they are growing and seeing how good they can be. Gallinari and Collins should be moved. Hawks are in a great position to go after another star. Okongwu next to Capela is a serious front line. I’d be looking at Beal if I were Hawks.
Or they could keep what works and try to win since the Hawks are legitimate title contenders. Probably cannot afford Collins though.