Brad Rowland here, the host of the daily Locked On Hawks podcast, with your daily Locked On Hawks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hawks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Nov 25, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) drives on Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter (12) in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks faced a tough 129-119 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday in a game that felt all too familiar. Despite being betting favorites, the Hawks couldn’t capitalize on their home advantage against a Dallas team missing key players like Luka Doncic and Klay Thompson. This defeat marked Atlanta’s third consecutive loss, dropping their record to 7-11 for the season.
Offensive Woes Continue
The Hawks’ offensive struggles were evident once again. With an offensive rating of 105.3, which would rank near the bottom of the league over a broader sample, the team failed to convert opportunities into points. Despite scoring 119 points in what was a fast-paced game, the efficiency was lacking. The Hawks managed only 31 three-point attempts, hitting just 29% of them, and their shooting at the rim was well below average at 61%. These numbers highlight a troubling trend for a team built around offensive prowess.
The Hawks’ inability to break down a zone defense was particularly concerning. Trae Young, who called it a “high school defense,” expressed frustration over the team’s struggles against it. Although they eventually found some rhythm, the initial confusion set the tone for a challenging night.
Defensive Challenges and Bench Struggles
Defensively, the Hawks allowed the Mavericks to shoot 46% from beyond the arc. While they limited Dallas to 35 attempts, the high conversion rate was damaging. The Hawks’ defense was not entirely to blame, as Kyrie Irving’s fourth-quarter performance was a masterclass in shot-making. Irving scored 16 points on eight shots, showcasing his Hall of Fame talent.
The bench also posed significant issues for the Hawks. Depth, which should be a strength, has been a consistent problem. The bench was outperformed, contributing to the team’s struggles. The starting lineup, featuring Young, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Clint Capela, has been effective, but the drop-off when they are not on the court is stark.
The Hawks’ defensive rating of 115 was not at all disastrous, but it wasn’t enough to compensate for their offensive inefficiencies. The team needs to find a balance between offense and defense to turn their season around.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
- Analysis of the Hawks’ offensive struggles this season
- Defensive breakdowns and three-point defense issues
- The impact of bench performance on the Hawks’ overall play
- Upcoming matchups and what the Hawks need to do to improve
Giannis Antetokounmpo improves on greatness, again
Giannis, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez lead the way for the Bucks in 2024
Our modern relationship with the concept of greatness is a strange thing. Certainly in NBA basketball, but even more broadly, we like to hold greatness up to its lack. Less readily do we accept greatness at face value, or allow for greatness to simply stand on its own. It needs a backdrop of failure, and maybe because of that, it is failure we’ve become better at discussing. When greatness persists, or proves to have staying power, it feels almost dull. We want greatness to come with persistent conflict, and we want our greats to prove it, again and again.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a prime modern example.
Over the weekend, Antetokounmpo made history. He became the NBA athlete to record the most 30-point games in a decade, beating out the obvious candidates of Steph Curry and LeBron James. That’s over 262 games with 30-plus-points. So far this season, he’s been averaging 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, and shooting field goals at a 60.8% accurate clip. These numbers are staggering and yet, at a glance around discussion on the season, you’d think they were hum-drum.
Truth be told, conversation about the Bucks and Antetokounmpo seemed more engaged when both struggled early in the season. Those favourite, swirling questions of will-he-or-won’t-he be traded, or force a trade, rose with aplomb. A championship calibre team doing badly is always news, sure, but when its championship calibre superstar pushes through the struggles to virtually carry the team, we tend to turn our attention elsewhere.
Maybe it’s because the thing that’s given Antetokounmpo another gear this season — rediscovering the mid-range — is a part of the floor not as exciting as the three-point range teams like the Celtics are bombing from, but the bump has been drastic. Last season Antetokounmpo shot 35.1% from the mid-range and thus far this season he’s converting 47.8% of his mid-range attempts (of which he’s doubled, 2.4 to 4.3).
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Veteran Larry Nance Jr. is poised to play a significant role for the Atlanta Hawks. Explore his potential impact on the team this season. (Peachtree Hoops)
Legacy The Atlanta Hawks recently honored the late Dikembe Mutombo, celebrating his contributions both on and off the court. Learn more about this special tribute to a basketball legend. (AJC)
Preview Emirates NBA Cup play continues this week — here’s what lies ahead for all teams. (NBA)
Roster Before the 2025 NBA Draft, get familiar with 10 international prospects. (ESPN)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Monday’s Fantasy Basketball Recap - Hamstrings Strike In Orlando
Nov 23, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) shoots during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters/Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action brought a whirlwind of performances, injuries, and strategic moves that could significantly impact your fantasy basketball lineup. Here are the major takeaways from the day, focusing on what’s most relevant for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Player Returns
- Devin Vassell is expected back on Wednesday, which is great news for those who have been patient with his knee issues. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson is out for Utah, creating opportunities for players like Colin Sexton and Isaiah Collier to step up. Keep an eye on Johnny Juzang as a potential deep-league add.
- Gary Harris suffered a hamstring injury, which could open up more minutes for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black. With Jalen Suggs also dealing with a hamstring issue, these players could see increased roles.
Waiver Wire Trends
- Moussa Diabate has become a hot commodity following Grant Williams’ injury. While Diabate’s scoring is limited, his defensive stats make him a valuable short-term add.
- Malcolm Brogdon is worth considering for streaming, though his long-term value remains uncertain. Similarly, Ty Jerome had a standout performance, but his shooting percentages are unlikely to be sustainable.
- Naji Marshall and T.J. McConnell are sensible additions given the current absences in their respective teams. McConnell, in particular, could provide solid assists and steals with several key players out.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Hawks snap skid with resilient, impressive win over Wolves The show centers on Monday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Minnesota Timberwolves, with focus on the end of Atlanta’s losing skid, Garrison Mathews’ massive shooting contributions, Dyson Daniels’ continued excellence on the defensive end, notable contributions from Trae Young, red-hot shooting as a team, continued ball security problems, and much more.
Poor defense, dismal first quarter doom Hawks in blowout loss to Grizzlies Topics include the absences of Trae Young and Ja Morant, a dismal first quarter for the Hawks, continued turnover problems, porous defense, the need for improvement from Bogdan Bogdanovic, and much more.
Hawks stumble on offense, lose overtime thriller in San Antonio Topics include Atlanta’s offensive shortcomings, Trae Young’s apparent ankle tweak, ball security issues, Larry Nance Jr.'s hot shooting, De’Andre Hunter’s continued offensive explosion, a rough one for Dyson Daniels, and much more.
