Takeaways From Atlanta's 109-95 Loss to Dallas
Atlanta was in a tough position last night on the road in Dallas, but I think they have to feel a little disappointed with how last night's game played out.
After a great first quarter, the Hawks's offense ground to a halt and was unable to score the ball vs the Mavericks. The Hawks's defense did a pretty good job all things considered of guarding Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but the offense could not hold up their end and the Hawks lost 109-95 on the road.
So what are the key takeaways from last night's game?
1. The Hawks' offense went cold in the second half...
Atlanta came out scoring the ball well, having 31 points in the first quarter, but the rest of the game was ugly for the Hawks, especially the second half.
Atlanta entered the fourth quarter only trailing by 12 and they held the Mavericks to 16 points, 27% shooting from the field, and 17% from three. It was a very good defensive quarter against one of the NBA's best offenses and that should have been enough to get Atlanta back in the game.
Unfortunately for them though, their offense was somehow worse.
Atlanta scored only 14 points in the fourth quarter, shot 25% from the field, and 17% from three. They turned the ball over six times as well.
The Hawks had multiple chances to get back in the game and make a run in the fourth quarter, but the offense could not make shots.
2. Kobe Bufkin once again showed flashes of being a really good two-way player...
Kobe Bufkin has battled injuries this year while also getting a lot of developmental reps in the G-League, but he has shown glimpses this year of being a key two-way player for the Hawks in the coming years.
When Bufkin has gotten minutes this year, he has mostly shown flashes on the defensive end of the floor. His offense has been coming along and last night might have been the best offensive performance for him.
Bufkin finished the game with nine points in over 12 minutes of action and he played some really good defense on Kyrie Irving as well.
3. The Hawks 21 turnovers played a key role in them losing the game...
If shooting the ball poorly on offense was not the main reason that the Hawks lost, the turnovers were the reason. Atlanta coughed the ball up 21 times and Dallas scored 15 points off of those turnovers. The Hawks are an average team when it comes to turning the ball over, but it cost them last night.
