The Atlanta Hawks picked up two wins in three games last week, creating some separation between them and the eighth seed.
Here are the three things we learned about them last week.
Trae Young is in All-Star form
The star had another great week scoring 38, 28 and 41 points (33 per game). Young also averaged eight assists per game in the three contests, including tying his season-high 14 against the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday in a 142-138 overtime loss.
Still just 22 years old, the third-year Hawk displays signs of growth and maturity, evident by games against the league’s best, such as the Nets.
He also became the fastest player to reach 400 threes in NBA history, adding another milestone to an already stellar career so far.
The team improved its three-point shooting
Lloyd Pierce’s team outshot all three opponents this week from beyond the arc. The Hawks’ past few weeks have seen them immensely struggle shooting the basketball, so the turnaround brings a big welcome sign.
If the Hawks can continue to shoot at a decent clip, they put themselves in a spot to make other teams pay.
With three-point shooting now more critical and an integral part of a winning team, the young club just needs to continue its momentum.
De’Andre Hunter’s injury looms large
De’Andre Hunter continued to dazzle last week before going down with a right knee injury, which the Hawks described as “articular wear and tear.” He continued to make a case for an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve last week. He added another great week before an injury sidelined him Friday night against the Wizards.
Hunter scored 22 and 21 last week against the Nets and Los Angeles Clippers while playing stellar defense both nights.
The second-year two-way stud has taken a significant leap forward this season, molding into the Hawks’ No. 2 scoring option. The difference between Hunter this year and last comes from his ability to create his shot and carry the offensive load when necessary.
Hunter will be out in the upcoming game against Los Angeles Lakers and reevaluated in a week. The Hawks hope they can get back their best on-ball defender soon as they loom closer to the All-Star Game.
