With two starters out tonight, Atlanta was not expected to defeat the Nuggets, but aside from a strong first quarter from the Hawks, this game lacked competitiveness.
The Hawks were unable to maintain their lead over Nikola Jokic after the first quarter, as the Nuggets went on to dominate the remainder of the game. In addition, Trae Young was ejected, and the Hawks were unable to regroup without him on the field.
In the end, the Hawks have now dropped four straight games before their two crucial games this week against the Raptors. Standings-wise, both teams are close to one another and could benefit from these victories.
What lessons can we learn from the game?
1. It appears that the Hawks’ season may be headed in the wrong direction.
At this point, the Hawks have dropped six of their last seven games and four straight. This team hasn’t played with the same intensity or appearance since Jalen Johnson went down with an injury. Johnson is undoubtedly a key member of the team, but his injury shouldn’t cause this one to crumble.
Hard to argue that anyone on this team is playing well right now save for Bogdan Bogdanovic and Trae Young. Still one of the worst defenses in the NBA, it is appalling.
Many criticisms can be leveled at the Hawks’ current style of play, but perhaps the most annoying is the intensity with which they play at times. Atlanta had extended periods of low energy after Denver took the lead again tonight, and they did not get better until the team started to make some shots when it was too little, too late.
This team is the subject of intense trade rumors at the moment, and if they are unable to turn things around, it may be time to make changes in Atlanta.
2. BOGDAN BOGDANOVIC HAD A CAREER NIGHT
Tonight’s performance validated my belief that Bogdan Bogdanovic ought to receive more recognition for winning the Sixth Man of the Year award. Bogdanovic scored 40 points and made 10 three-pointers. The Hawks’ ability to rally from the Nuggets’ seemingly insurmountable lead in the second half was largely due to him. He deserves a lot of credit for the way he plays each and every game, as he has perhaps been the Hawks’ second-best player this season.
3. The remaining contributions from the bench were minimal once more.
Although Bogdanovic did not start games, he did play a lot more than the average bench player, even if he did come off the bench. Onyeka Okongwu, Wesley Matthews, Garrison Matthews, and even AJ Griffin did not have a significant impact tonight, while the Denver bench featured more players who contributed in a variety of ways. Reggie Jackson finished with 12 points and six assists, while Julian Strawther scored 22 points.