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.
Four straight wins for the Atlanta Hawks
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
On Monday, the Atlanta Hawks secured their fourth consecutive victory with a 124-112 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. This win was particularly significant as it marked Dejounte Murray’s return to Atlanta. Despite the Pelicans being plagued by injuries, the Hawks managed to hold their ground, showcasing a solid defensive performance throughout the game.
Dejounte Murray’s Return and Defensive Highlights
Murray’s return was a focal point, but it was the Hawks’ defense that truly shone. The Pelicans, missing key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, struggled against Atlanta’s defensive setup. The Hawks maintained a defensive rating of 105.7, a testament to their improved performance in this area. The Pelicans only managed to find success in the second quarter, with the Hawks effectively contesting shots and limiting their free throw attempts to just 17.
The defensive prowess was evident as the Hawks recorded 12 steals, smothering the Pelicans on the perimeter. C.J. McCollum was the only Pelican who found some offensive rhythm, yet he required 27 shooting possessions to score 29 points, highlighting the Hawks’ defensive efficiency.
Offensive Struggles and Second-Half Surge
Offensively, the Hawks experienced a roller coaster of a game. The first half was marred by a lackluster performance, with the team trailing by one point at halftime. However, the second half saw a significant turnaround. The Hawks’ offense finally clicked, leading to a comfortable lead in the latter stages of the game. They excelled inside the arc, scoring 74 points in the paint and shooting 67% on two-point attempts.
Fast break points were another highlight, with the Hawks scoring 33 points in transition, capitalizing on the Pelicans’ turnovers. Despite shooting struggles from beyond the arc, DeAndre Hunter stood out, being the only player to shoot above 25% from three-point range.
Ball security was a concern, with the Hawks committing 18 turnovers, leading to 27 points for the Pelicans. However, they managed to tighten up in the second half, reducing turnovers and improving their offensive efficiency.
The Hawks’ ability to win despite not playing their best is a positive sign. They capitalized on the Pelicans’ weakened lineup and maintained their composure in the second half to secure the victory. This win brings the Hawks back to a .500 record, positioning them well for the remainder of the season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Atlanta Hawks’ recent performances, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
- Analysis of Dejounte Murray’s performance and impact on the game
- Defensive strategies that led to the Hawks’ success
- In-depth look at the Hawks’ offensive adjustments in the second half
- Player-by-player evaluations and standout performances
- Upcoming challenges and what to expect in the next games
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
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
Must Read The Hawks won their fourth straight game yesterday, despite Trae Young’s ongoing shooting woes. But he’s got a warning for the rest of the league: watch out when that slump is inevitably busted. (Soaring Down South)
Wednesday, Dec. 04 | 7:00 PM | Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee, WI) | Get Tickets
Lakers @ Hawks
Friday, Dec. 06 | 7:30 PM | State Farm Arena (Atlanta, GA) | Get Tickets
Nuggets @ Hawks
Sunday, Dec. 08 | 6:00 PM | State Farm Arena (Atlanta, GA) | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Dejounte Murray’s Poor Shooting Return To Atlanta
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Hawks hold serve against Pelicans for 4th consecutive win The episode focuses on Monday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the New Orleans Pelicans, including Atlanta’s perimeter shooting and ball security struggles, the return of Dejounte Murray, strong defense, Dyson Daniels being Dyson Daniels, a stellar Clint Capela game, and a fourth straight victory.
Atlanta Hawks escape with ugly victory in Charlotte for third straight win Episode 1857 centers on Saturday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Charlotte Hornets, including strong defense, encouraging work from Zaccharie Risacher and Kobe Bufkin, Jalen Johnson playing at a high level, turnover problems, the absence of Bogdan Bogdanovic, and much more.
Hawks finish NBA Cup group stage with second straight win over Cavs The show focuses on Friday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, including a stellar defensive performance, NBA Cup implications, Jalen Johnson’s star-level play, a big game from De’Andre Hunter, quality efforts from the centers, and much more.
