The Atlanta Hawks faced a challenging night on the road against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, culminating in a 120-97 defeat. The primary issue was clear: the Hawks simply couldn’t find their rhythm offensively or get shots to fall. Despite being underdogs, the team had opportunities but failed to capitalize due to poor shooting.
Offensive Woes
The Hawks’ shooting performance was dismal across the board. They managed only 39% on two-point attempts, significantly below the league average of over 50%. From beyond the arc, they hit just 26%, making 12 of 46 attempts. Even at the free-throw line, they struggled, converting only 15 of 24 shots. This inefficiency was a major factor in their inability to close the gap against the Warriors.
Despite the poor shooting, the Hawks did manage to create more opportunities than their opponents. They had nine more shooting possessions, thanks to 22 offensive rebounds and a relatively low turnover rate. However, these advantages were nullified by their inability to convert shots, leading to a significant loss margin.
Defensive Effort
Defensively, the Hawks showed promise. They held the Warriors to a 105 defensive rating during the competitive portion of the game, which is considered excellent. The Warriors, known for their offensive prowess, were kept below their averages in both three-point attempts and accuracy. The Hawks’ defense was particularly effective in limiting the Warriors’ free-throw attempts and corner threes, areas where they have struggled in the past.
Quin Snyder, the Hawks’ head coach, noted that the team’s defensive performance was commendable, especially given the circumstances. The Warriors’ style of play, characterized by fluid ball and player movement, posed a significant challenge. Yet, the Hawks managed to keep them in check for most of the game.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ performance and strategies, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
- Analysis of the Hawks’ defensive strategies against the Warriors
- Quinn Snyder’s post-game comments and insights
- The impact of player rotations and health on team performance
- Upcoming matchups and what to expect from the Hawks
