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.
A Night to Forget for the Hawks against Denver
Dec 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine/Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks were blasted by the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, with the team’s winning streak coming to an end as a result. The first half was particularly tough, with the Hawks struggling to find their rhythm both offensively and defensively. The Nuggets capitalized on this, hitting their shots with precision and exploiting the Hawks’ defensive lapses. The Hawks’ inability to stop penetration and contest shots beyond the arc was a glaring issue that needed addressing.
Offensive Woes and Defensive Challenges
In the second half, the Hawks showed some improvement on the offensive end, but the damage from the first half was already done. Despite a recent winning streak, this performance was a letdown, highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued the team. The Hawks’ offensive rating was a dismal 104, placing them among the league’s bottom five. The first half was particularly brutal, with an offensive rating of just 89 and a true shooting percentage of 41. These numbers underscore the team’s struggles to convert opportunities into points.
The Hawks’ shooting woes were evident as they went 9 of 40 from beyond the arc, a mere 23%. The first three quarters were especially rough, with a 5 of 30 performance from three-point range. This kind of shooting will not win games against a team like Denver, which, while not at its peak this season, remains formidable. Inside the arc, the Hawks fared slightly better but still struggled from floater range, hitting only 35%.
Despite these challenges, the Hawks excelled in some areas. They committed only 12 turnovers, a significant improvement, and dominated the glass with 29 second-chance points. They also took 27 free throws, showcasing their ability to draw fouls and capitalize on those opportunities. However, their half-court offense was in the first percentile for efficiency, a statistic that highlights their inability to score when the game slowed down.
Individually, the Hawks had a tough night. Dyson Daniels was the only player who performed above expectations, especially with his trademark defensive impact. Trae Young, usually a reliable scorer, struggled with his floater, a shot that has been off all season. De’Andre Hunter, who had been red-hot in recent days, had an off night, and Garrison Matthews was notably ineffective.
Defensively, the Hawks were unable to contain Nikola Jokic, who dominated the game. The Hawks forced 20 turnovers, including 12 steals, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Nuggets’ offensive prowess.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ performance and future prospects, 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’ recent winning streak and what it means for their season.
- A look ahead to the Hawks’ next matchup against the New York Knicks.
- Discussion on the impact of injuries on the Hawks’ lineup and performance.
- Insights into the Hawks’ defensive strategies and areas for improvement.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth period at Chase Center. | David Gonzales/David Gonzales-Imagn Images
For all its advancements, from athlete autonomy down to the way the game itself gets played, the NBA hasn’t managed to solve one of its most nagging longevity problems: that all dynasties are destined to fall apart.
Maybe it’s their inherent weight. That a handful of stars stuck together force an unstable gravity not meant to last. Maybe it’s the strain that every relationship faces — but sped up in the NBA uniquely accelerated time signature — as time goes by and people, their circumstance, change. It could be egos, or the financial practicalities of keeping an expensive roster together; it might be because of duelling timelines and the reality that no matter how good, no team at this level can put off development of future rosters forever.
Whatever it was for dynasties of the past, now dusted, it’s a combination of everything for these current Warriors.
Whether you viewed it as a culture loss or reset, Klay Thompson’s departure to the Mavericks was the first chip in this Golden State dynasty’s foundation. Certainly, Thompson’s absence meant more room for next-gen talent of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski to flourish on the floor. It also forced a twosome in leadership between Steph Curry and Draymond Green, versus the triangular model the former Splash Brother lent, though Curry’s shouldered more of the directional responsibilities this season and the strain is beginning to show.
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
Opponent The Atlanta Hawks’ six-game win streak came to a halt as they were defeated by the Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic’s 48 points. Jokic’s performance was too much for the Hawks to handle. (Peachtree Hoops)
Biz The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s podcast provides in-depth discussions on the Atlanta Hawks’ current season, player performances, and upcoming games, offering valuable insights and expert opinions. Check out the latest episode for more.
Analysis Jonathan Kuminga makes his case with a career-best night of 33 points. (Defector)
Biz NBA Trade Deadline eligibility: These 85 players can be traded as of December 15. (ESPN)
Milestones Chris Paul surpasses Jason Kidd for 2nd in career NBA assists (NBA.com)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Joel Embiid Returns Sunday - All The Fantasy Basketball Impact
Dec 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) smiles during the second half of a basketball game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski/Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Joel Embiid’s Return and Fantasy Implications
As the NBA season unfolds, Joel Embiid’s return to the court has been a focal point for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Embiid, despite being on a minutes restriction, delivered an impressive performance with 31 points and 12 rebounds. However, his recurring knee issues remain a concern for fantasy managers. The potential for swelling and soreness could lead to more missed games, making him a risky asset. While his numbers are undeniably strong, the uncertainty surrounding his health suggests a cautious approach for those considering him in trades or drafts.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls: Key Performances
The Philadelphia 76ers’ clash with the Chicago Bulls highlighted several noteworthy performances. Tyrese Maxey stepped up significantly, posting 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. His ability to thrive alongside Embiid is crucial for the 76ers’ success and offers a promising outlook for fantasy managers. On the Bulls’ side, Zach LaVine’s resurgence with 30 points and six triples was a standout, especially after a dip in usage in previous games. However, Nikola Vučević's recent struggles, with only 13 points in consecutive games, raise questions about his role and effectiveness moving forward.
The game also shed light on the fluctuating roles within the Bulls’ lineup. Ayo Dosunmu, who recently had a breakout game, saw his production dip with the return of key players. This pattern of inconsistency is a reminder of the volatility in fantasy basketball, where player value can shift rapidly based on team dynamics and injuries.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- Analysis of Tyrese Maxey’s performance and future potential
- Zach LaVine’s resurgence and its impact on the Bulls
- The role of Ayo Dosunmu in the Bulls’ lineup
- Injury updates and their implications for fantasy rosters
- Strategies for managing player rotations and streaming options
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Winning streak ends for Hawks with blowout loss to Nuggets Topics include an ugly shooting performance, the inability to slow Nikola Jokic, injury absences for Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic, rotation decisions, and much more.
Hawks top Lakers in overtime thriller for sixth straight win Topics include Trae Young’s record-setting night, fantastic bench contributions headlined by De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic, strong three-point shooting, questionable officiating, weirdness throughout the evening, an ugly end to regulation, resilient work in overtime, and much more.
The anatomy of a five-game winning streak and Lakers preview Topics include the active, five-game winning streak for the Atlanta Hawks, the impressive level of Atlanta’s defense, potential comparisons to 2020-21, Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, the current status of 2025 NBA Draft picks, and much more.
