Our Atlanta Hawks came a couple of shots from having a 3-0 week.

Depending on what kind of fan you are, you’re either happy or depressed. Twice this week, the Hawks found a way to lose after being up 5 or more in the final 2 minutes. While this makes the tank happy crowd happy, it is taking it’s toll on players. Reporter @JameelahJNBA captured some of the locker room scenes after Friday Night’s loss to Brooklyn.

Saw Dennis Schröder leaving the locker room after the game with his head down, walking slowly. If you don’t think these guys take these losses to heart, not sure what to tell you. — JJ (@JameelahJNBA) January 13, 2018

Yes, in the long run it is better for the Hawks to lose as many games as possible, but losing so many in heartbreaking fashion takes it’s toll on the players. It is evident that each of them give it their all every single night. Hopefully this upcoming home stand supplies some victories to keep their confidence up.

After back to back blowout losses leading up to this week, the Hawks put together 3 solid performances. But as seen all year, they just do not know how to finish games off.

1/8/18 @ LA Clippers L 108-107

DeAndre Jordan’s Free Throws and CJ Williams 3 Pointer Sinks Hawks. A night after a completely lifeless showing in the same building against the Lakers the Hawks had a much better showing. After getting down by as many 16 in the first half, Atlanta battled back to take the lead in the 4th. Coming down the stretch the Hawks elected to foul DeAndre Jordan whenever they could and he made us pay by making 5 straight. That decision ended up backfiring and set up CJ Williams with the game winning 3 with 9 seconds remaining. The loss dropped Atlanta to 0-4 on the West Coast trip. Taurean Prince had a strong game with 20 Points, including 4 Three Pointers. Dennis had 18 but continued to struggle from deep. Bazemore and Ilyasova added 13 a piece. With Moose and Dedmon back in the rotation, Rookie John Collins only played 8 minutes. As for The Clippers, former Hawk Lou Williams netted 34, Deandre Jordan had 25 Points and 18 Rebounds, while CJ Williams had 15 including the game sealing Three.

1/10/18 @ Denver W 110-97

Hawks salvage road trip with a wire to wire mile high victory. Atlanta needed this one in the worst way. Coming in, the team was carrying a 10 game road losing streak which included multiple late game collapses. After somewhat of a slow start (6-0 Denver) the Hawks took a 15-13 lead midway through the 1st quarter and never looked back. Dennis Schroder led a very balanced attack with 19 Points despite only shooting 6-15 from the floor. Prince contributed 16 with 4 Threes, while Bazemore had 14. Marco, Malcom, and Ersan each scored 10. Garry Harris paced the Nuggets with 25.

1/12/18 Vs Brooklyn L 110-105

Dennis Schroder’s Career High not enough to stop last minute Brooklyn comeback. Once again, the Hawks lost a disappointing game where they led by a comfortable amount in the final minutes. After Dewayne Dedmon hit a three to put the Hawks up 5 with 2:37 remaining, it appeared Atlanta was headed to their second straight victory. But some clutch shooting and being on the good end of a controversial block/charge call helped Brooklyn outscore the Hawks 16-6 in the final 2:20. As mentioned several Hawks players, especially Dennis Schroder who played the game of his life took this loss exceptionally hard. Dennis finished with 34 Points on 14-26 Shooting, 3-5 Three Point Shooting, 3 Rebounds, 7 Assists to go along with 3 Steals. Kent Bazemore added 16. Dewayne Dedmon scored 11 Points and grabbed 9 Rebounds while having a +/- of +18 in just 23 minutes of action. Attendance 13,093

What’s Up Next

1/15/18 3 PM Vs San Antonio MLK DAY Special

The Hawks will likely have a little extra fire in them after how Friday night ended but ever since Bud has come to tow, Pop has had our number. Atlanta will keep it close but the star power of the Spurs will be too much down the stretch. Spurs 101 Hawks 89. Attendance Prediction: 15,107

1/17/18 7:30 PM Vs New Orleans

The team probably remembers the heart breaking loss last November in New Orleans. Coupled with back to back disappointing home losses will propel the Hawks to victory behind a strong performance from Dewayne Dedmon and Dennis Schroder. Hawks 110 Pelicans 104. Attendance Prediction: 12,950

1/20/18 5PM Vs Chicago

Once again, Dennis puts the team on his back late. This time leading the Hawks to victory against the pesky Bulls. Hawks 101 Bulls 94. Attendance Prediction: 13,503

News and Notes

Hawks are still the worst team in the NBA but Orlando is only .5 games ahead

Malcolm Delaney appears to have moved back to the backup Point Guard spot while Isaiah Taylor has fallen out of the rotation in favor of Tyler Dorsey

Bud may be tweaking the rotation to see who is ready if Marco and/or Ersan are traded

John Collin’s minutes have tailed off since the return of Dedmon and Moose to the dismay of many fans

Hawks have 3 losses in the past 2 weeks in which they led by 5 or more in the final 3 minutes of play

The only road game remaining this month is @ Charlotte on Friday Jan, 26th

Hawks remain 30th in Attendance according to EPSN.com (total # wise)

Still no word on when DeAndre’ Bembry could return

Marco shouldn’t miss significant time with his Sprained Ankle

Record Last Week: 1-2

Total Season Record: 11-31. 15th East. 30th NBA.

Predicted Record This Week: 2-1

Phil Veasley | @_ATLPhil

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