PHOTO CREDIT TO PEACHTREEHOOPS TWITTER

By: Bryce Sparling (@1788sports, @BryceS89)

2nd win against and above .500 team! Sky’s the limit now boys!! Hawks came into the game losers of 4 straight, as well as 7 of their last 8 games. On the night after Thanksgiving, I can tell you what I’m thankful for, that’s Hawks basketball and a win against the NBA’s newest, softest star.

The 1st qrt started out like so many games have for this Hawks team. A lack of focus, defensive intensity and scoring. Atlanta let Porzingis run all over them in the 1st to the tune of 4/6 shooting from the field, including a pair of 3’s. Dennis and Demon contributed 11 of the Hawks 24 1st quarter points, which wasn’t enough to keep it close, as New York scored 39 points in the 1st qrt alone.

Needless to say the 2nd qrt started unceremoniously, as I didn’t expect much out of this 3 win Hawks team. Something changed though after the 1st qrt that was huge for the rest of the game, paint physicality. Dedmon started to body KP up in the 2nd and he wasn’t able to have free roam of the court like in the 1st. Collins added a pair of dunks and Illyasova threw in a 3 and 2 additional baskets. Despite the horrid 1st, the Hawks were not demoralized. Atlanta went into half only down by 8.

If you’re a long suffering Hawks fan, you know 3rd qrts usually are not our friend. Luckily, today was not one of those days. The physical defense started by Dedmon in the 2nd continued on after halftime and throughout the 2nd half. Kristaps rarely got the ball in the post in the 3rd & when he did, he had no room to operate. He had to resort to outside shots and jumpers due to Dedmon’s great D. Despite Collins and Prince combining for a 4-11 3rd qrt shooting performance, Shcroder and Dedmon were able to combine for enough offense to give Atlanta a 3 point lead.

The 4th, was the same as the 3rd. Great D and timely shooting by the Hawks. Atlanta’s passing in the 4th was on point. Finding the open man on the offensive end every trip down the court help the Hawks secure and extend the lead. Belinelli added a pair of 3’s to seal the deal for Atlanta. THe Hawks won this game 116-104. Their next game is tomorrow night at 7:30 when we take on the Toronto Raptors.