Atlanta traveled up north Tuesday night to take on the Toronto Raptors in what turned out to be an anti-climactic finishing for Hawks fans. The Hawks stormed back in the fourth quarter, but late-game execution led to the Hawks demise as the Raptors help secure the Hawks’ fate in the play-in tournament. Following the 118-108 loss in Toronto, and a Brooklyn Nets victory, Atlanta now slides back down to the ninth seed, a game above the Charlotte Hornets.
A critical juncture in this game was when both teams deadlocked at 102 a piece. Both sides came up-and-down the court following empty possessions, and Atlanta finally took the lead 103-102 following a split-pair of free throw’s from Trae Young. As soon as the Hawks held the lead, the game went down hill from there. Toronto closed the game out on an 8-0 run to secure the W and continue their accession in the Eastern Conference standings.
Young was stellar in this game, finishing with 26 points and 15 assists. Young’s masterclass-passing was on full display, finding open teammates left and right. Kevin Huerter had another 20-point game, his fifth time in six games, chipping in 21 points on 61.5% shooting from the field.
The length and athleticism bothered the Hawks all night. Toronto bullied Atlanta on the boards by a tally of 60-43, and outscored the Hawks 62-42 in the paint. The absence of Danilo Gallinari and the continued absence of John Collins does not help the cause.
At this point in the season for Atlanta, the Hawks are locked in to a play-in spot and are only playing for seeding. They get a quick chance to get back in the win column, heading back home to host the Washington Wizards. Tip-off for that game is 8:00 p.m. from State Farm Arena.
