Hawks looking to extend Hornets’ latest skid | Fieldlevel
The Atlanta Hawks continue to show signs of a breakthrough and have another chance to show they’re going in the right direction Monday night against host Charlotte Hornets.
The Hawks have won two straight and four of their last six games.
“We have to go to Charlotte and take care of business,” Atlanta coach Nate McMillan said. “They kicked us twice. We have to get the game in their building.”
The Hornets are on a seven-game losing streak. Charlotte is already on two eight-game losing streaks, so it will try to avoid a third such slip.
In Saturday’s 125-106 win after visiting San Antonio, De’Andre Hunter had 24 points to put the Hawks back ahead for the first time in almost two months, though Trae Young also added 24 points.
“I’ve been struggling in the last couple of games so that’s been a pick-me-up,” Hunter said. “I work really hard, so whenever there’s a shot, it always feels good.”
Atlanta held a 64-46 lead in the second half.
“That’s the defense we need to play,” said McMillan, whose team benefited from 20 Spurs turnovers. “Everyone turned it up.”
The Hornets don’t seem to be getting a grip on their defense, something of a seasonal issue.
Charlotte’s facility is being put to the test, especially since the Mason Plumlee center traded last week. The lane was exploited by Denver’s Nikola Jokic in Charlotte’s 119-105 loss on Saturday night.
“We should have had more stuff to protect him,” said manager Steve Clifford. “Its my fault. We had to find ways to unbalance him, which we didn’t do.”
Rookie Mark Williams has started the last two games at center for the Hornets, an elevated role that should challenge his development.
A disastrous third quarter put the Hornets under pressure against Denver.
“We have to be careful and know our opponents better and not let them get in the rhythm,” said Charlotte forward PJ Washington.
The Hornets should be familiar with the Hawks, who are 1-2 in the series this season. Charlotte’s loss came during the team’s last eight games.
Plumlee had 25 points and 11 rebounds in Charlotte’s away win when they last met the Hawks on Jan. 21, leaving Production to be replaced.
Young, who provided a season-high with 17 assists on Saturday night, has averaged 28 points in the three games this season against Charlotte.
The Hornets need more all-around production on the paint, especially since some of their perimeter resources have been slowed on offense. They’ve made 10 or more 3-point baskets in just three of their last 11 games.
For Atlanta, the trip to Charlotte is the only road assignment during an eight-game span, although there are only two games left before the All-Star Game.
“We’re trying to be 4-0 before the All-Star break,” Hunter said.
So far this month, the Hawks have avoided any late-game drama. Their last six games have been decided by seven or more points.