In helping the Hawks to a 110-105 victory against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, Ilyasova had another solid game. For him, that meant scoring 10 points, grabbing seven rebounds — and drawing two charges.

The first came when the Nets’ Trevor Booker, in an overly aggressive attempt to clear some space near the basket, launched his left shoulder into Ilyasova’s chest. Later, as the Nets’ Isaiah Whitehead turned a corner with his dribble near the top of the key, Ilyasova slid toward the foul line and braced himself for impact. Whitehead plowed right into him.

None of this happens by accident. Ilyasova studies game film and scouting reports. He knows which players tend to go to their left after they pump fake. And he knows which players are poor outside shooters, giving him the leeway to back off and bait them into driving. He can usually sense where they want to go. His job is to get there first.

“It’s all about anticipation,” said Ilyasova, who was traded to the Hawks in February by the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Hawks use an acronym at practice: MIG, which stands for Most Important Guy. That guy is the baseline defender responsible for offering help if one of his teammates is beaten off the dribble. The coaching staff wants the players who are least likely to block shots to take charges, or at least have that mind-set. There are limits. The season is punishing enough.

“We’re not doing charge drills at practice,” Budenholzer said. “I don’t think it’s really part of the N.B.A. culture. As coaches, we respect what’s required to take a charge. The more of them the better. But I don’t think you’re going to bench a guy if he doesn’t slide over and take the charge.”