Friday night, the Atlanta Hawks were seeking to get back into the win column after a heartbreaking loss at the buzzer against the Bulls. Tonight’s matchup featured another central division team with the (8-26) Detroit Pistons. The Pistons were coming into tonight’s game losing their last 4 out 5 contests. On a side note, the Hawks finally had a healthy squad as Clint Capela was cleared to play after a 3 game hiatus. As for the Pistons, they were without their star player Cade Cunningham who underwent surgery last Friday for his left tibial stress fracture and Isaiah Livers (shoulder).
The first half of this contest appeared as if it would be a tight one with the Hawks unable to contain the Pistons offense. The Pistons had scored 63 points by the end of the half on efficient shooting: 51.1% from the field and 31.2% from three allowing them to amount to an 8 point lead at one point. As for the Hawks offensively speaking they were struggling to hit their shots from three (21.4% from three) while shooting for 48% in total but they were able to bring the game within 3 points to head into the third quarter. At this point three Hawks were already in double figures in the scoring column with Dejounte Murray leading the way with 16 points, Trae Young with 11 points, and Bogdan Bogdanovic with 10 points. Capela had a stand out performance in the opening quarter as he nearly notched himself a double-double with 8 points and 5 rebounds.
A tale of two halves was the story of this game as the Hawks opened the third quarter on a 15-3 run and never looked back since. Not only was the offense clicking for the Hawks (shooting 63.6% from the field & 40% from three) but their defense had stepped up tremendously as they only allowed 18 points ( 25% from the field & three). Their energy on the defensive side of the ball continued on in the final quarter of action in which the Pistons had scored 24 points (34.8% from the field & 20% from three). In comparison to the first half where the Pistons had scored 63 points (51.1% from the field & 31.2% from three) they scored 42 points shooting 30.2% from the field and 23.5% from three. It was because of the Hawks excellent play coming from the second half that ultimately led to the blowout win against Detroit (130-105 final score).
Trae Young and Dejounte Murray looked like a dynamic duo in the backcourt as they combined for 42 points (26 & 26) while also dishing out 18 assists between the two (13 & 5). The Hawks also had three other players finishing with double digits in the scoring column: Bogdan Bogdanovic 19 points, Onyeka Okongwu 12 points, and Clint Capela finishing with the double-double (10 points & 10 rebounds).
The Pistons also had multiple players in double figures with Bojan Bogdanovic leading the way with his 23 points, Killian Hayes with 17 points, Jaden Ivey with 15 points, and Jalen Duren with 13 points.
What’s Next?
The Hawks (17-16) will prepare for the last outing in their three game homestand against the (17-16) Indiana Pacers, Tuesday night. Currently both teams are tied for the seventh spot with the Pacers beating the Miami Heat 111-108. On the season the Pacers are averaging 114.7 points per game while allowing for 115.5. This matchup will surely be an interesting one to watch as Tyrese Haliburton looked unstoppable against the Heat, putting up 43 points while hitting 10 threes. If the Hawks play to their full capabilities on the defensive end perhaps they’ll just be able to contain Haliburton.
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