Hawks Falter Against the Nets

Hawks 108 Nets 115

Two nights ago, the Hawks lost to the Celtics in as productive a loss as any defeat could be. The down-to-the-wire loss sent a reverberating message throughout the league, that they have arrived as a top team.

In their follow up performance, the Hawks lost to the Nets in a rather unimpressive showing. It’s not that the loss will significantly hurt the Hawks in the win-loss department (season record 6-2); it’s the way that they lost that is most concerning.

Against the Nets, the Hawks defense failed them. The first half was dominated inside by Nets Brook Lopez. Ouch-this is the same rookie who came into the game averaging 4.5 points. Dropping 25 on the Hawks (to go along with 9 boards), his performance got the Nets off to the quick start they were looking for and shocked Atlanta, who could not be expecting such a strong showing in the paint.

Credit the Hawks with making the right adjustments during halftime to sure up the Nets inside scoring. However, by this point the damage was already done in some senses. Though the game was close and the lead exchanged hands numerous times throughout the third and early fourth quarter, because of the inside play of Lopez, the Hawks defenders were forced to respect the Nets inside game.

Queuing in on Lopez, Devin Harris took fire at the guard spot and finished the game with 30 points.

In the end, the Nets blew the Hawks out of the water with a 42 point fourth quarter. The strong finished translated into a seven point win.

Quick Notes:

I have nothing but praise for the season that Marvin Williams is having. From what I’ve heard, all his success is due to lots of time during the offseason in the weight room and working to improve his shot. Last year, he had only one successful three point shot all year. In yesterday’s game alone, he has 3 for 4 from downtown.

The Hawks defense has been the topic of discussion for many analysts lately. The Hawks have been really successful shutting down the role players this year in their wins (think New Orleans when the Hawks kept Tyson Chandler and David West at bay). Last night, Brook Lopez had 25, Vince Carter had 26, and Devin Harris had 30 points. Definitely, atypical for the Hawks to let Lopez put up those kinds of numbers.