Hawks Fall To Bulls In Young’s Return

Going into Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, things looked bleak for the Atlanta Hawks. 11 players had been placed in the NBA’s Covid health and safety protocol, and the Hawks were in danger of not fielding eight players. They received a gigantic shot in the arm, when it was announced hours before tip-off that guard Trae Young had passed protocols, and would be available against Chicago. It was his first appearance since December 17th against the Denver Nuggets.

Although the news was welcomed and much needed, it was not enough to overcome one of the stronger duos currently in the league, Zach Lavine and Demar DeRozan. Both players were in the zone, hitting contested pull-up jumpers, slashing to the rim, and virtually getting anything they wanted offensively during their 130-118 victory over Atlanta. 

This was the Hawks first shot at the new-look Chicago Bulls, a somewhat surprise team this year, that is now sitting at 21-10 overall and second in the East. They were clicking on all cylinders, and their big-three had a tremendous showing. DeRozan finished with 35 points and 10 assists, Lavine poured in another 30 points and 9 assists, and Nikola Vucevic ended the night with 24 points and 17 rebounds. It should be noted the Bulls were missing a big piece with guard, Lonzo Ball, who was ruled out due to health and safety concerns.

Now for a depleted-Hawks squad, there actually was some positives albeit in a loss. First off it was great to see Young back in the fold, and essentially, picking up where he left off. He struggled with his shot in his first game back, but ended up posting a 29 point and 9 assist stat-line. The next highlight has to be the continued “A+” play from Cam Reddish. Since being inserted into the starting lineup and averaging over 30-plus minutes in his last four games, Reddish is averaging 23.8 points per game. He finished with 33 against the Bulls on Monday. They also continued their torrid pace from beyond the arc and shot 44% on three-pointers. The Hawks lead the NBA in three-point field goal percentage. 

This up-and-down play may be a sign of what is to come, as the Hawks navigate this Covid situation. Having Young back tremendously helps the cause and may be able to help scratch out some victories, but the Hawks need their full complement of players back as soon as possible. 

The standings are tight in the Eastern Conference, which may be a saving grace, but the Hawks now sit three games below .500. They need to be careful and not let this get out of hand. Unfortunately it does not get any easier, they play the Bulls again on Wednesday for a home-and-away, then the upstart-Cleveland Cavaliers, followed by a trip out west for a four-game road stand. 

Again, if the Hawks can get their guys back up and running, it should help stabilize the play of the club. Until then, expect to see a lot of guys you thought were out of basketball, or truly have never heard of.

Tip-off for Wednesday’s game against the Bulls is at 8:00pm eastern at the United Center.