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Five Best Plays from Hawks at Raptors

These five plays did numbers on social media.
Pat Benson|
© John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

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Atlanta HawksToronto Raptors

Last night didn't go the way Hawks fans had anticipated. The Toronto Raptors continued their winning streak at home in front of an almost entirely empty arena. You can get the full recap here. As is always the case with two playoff teams, there were plenty of highlights. Here are the five best plays from Scotiabank Arena.

Clint Capela

The Hawks didn't get much offense from either Clint Capela or Kevin Huerter last night. However, 'Red Velvet' did find 'The Swiss Bank' for a nice no-look alley-oop early in the second half. Atlanta definitely needs more consistent offense from both players, but a little extra sizzle like this would be a nice ingredient too.

Pascal Siakam

After the first quarter, I was worried that Raptors' forward Pascal Siakam was about to have his 81-point game against us. In fact, he had 21 points after the first period and showed no signs of slowing down. Luckily, the Hawks were able to contain him and avert Siakam from having a Kobe-esque performance. But 'Spicy P' definitely had himself a game last night.

John Collins

Death, taxes, and Trae Young tossing alley-oops to John Collins. Last night, Collins finished the game with 23 points, and Young finished with 22 points plus 13 assists (including this nice dime). 'John the Baptist' has been the center of a lot of trade rumors in recent days, and as I wrote recently, I hope the Hawks keep him.

Fred VanVleet

I have nothing personal against Fred VanVleet. He's a great player and an even better man. But when Raptors fans started saying he deserved to start in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game over Trae Young (which is an absurd take), it made me less of a fan of 'FVV.' That makes his incredible performance last night even tougher to watch.

OG Anunoby

Last night Raptors forward OG Anunoby was quiet. Well, he's always pretty quiet except for when he's arguing about scarves. Still, this reverse dunk was both well-timed and aesthetically pleasing enough to get the number one highlight from Friday night's game.

Photos

Feb 4, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward Kevin Knox II (20) dunks the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher (25) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. 

Feb 4, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) sets up to shoot a basket as Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) closes in during the first half at Scotiabank Arena

Feb 4, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) drives to the net against Toronto Raptors center Khem Birch (24) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena.

Feb 4, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) and forward Pascal Siakam (43) defend against Atlanta Hawks forward Kevin Knox II (20) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. 

Feb 4, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher (25) and guard Dalano Banton (45) defend against Atlanta Hawks guard Delon Wright (0) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. 

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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the Atlanta Hawks for Sports Illustrated's All Hawks. He has covered the NBA for several years and is the author of "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)".

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