Just when it seemed like the Atlanta Hawks were finally hitting their stride coming into the playoffs, they blew maybe their easiest game of the season against the shorthanded-Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. The Hawks ended up falling in this one by a final tally of 136-131 in overtime.
This loss could have been disastrous, but coupled with a Toronto Raptors-loss (whom trailed Atlanta by one game in the standings), the Hawks actually locked up the eighth-seed in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament, yet it was undoubtedly felt in the locker room.
The 76ers rested their entire starting lineup, while Atlanta had their typical rotations, and to make things worse, the Hawks blew a 13-point lead in the second-half. Atlanta got off to a great start offensively, however the 76ers were also able to get virtually whatever they wanted in the first quarter with the majority of their offense coming at the rim.
It seemed Atlanta would pull away in the second frame, with Trae Young having a career playmaking night. Young had 11 assists in the first-half alone. They built their lead up to 12 midway through the second quarter, but then allowed Philly to sneak back into the game. Had Atlanta pulled away in the first-half they likely could have won this game. Just as it has been this entire year, the Hawks struggled to close this one out, with poor decision-making from almost every Atlanta-starter. Once the 76ers got back into the game, the Hawks had trouble keeping up with the offense of the second string 76ers. They would go on to lose in overtime, allowing Philly to score 17 points in just five minutes of the extra period.
While the game on Sunday against Boston had zero implications on the Hawks’ potential standings, as they were locked in to the East’s 8th spot, Atlanta’s loss ended up moving them back to .500. Something Hawks fans have been far too familiar with all season.
However, this game did not have the same sting as the loss to Philadelphia, as both Boston and Atlanta had their starters sitting to avoid injuries. Atlanta ultimately lost this one, 120-114, behind Peyton Pritchard’s triple-double.
Had Atlanta not allowed Boston to score nearly 40 points in the third quarter they likely could have won this game, as well. Jalen Johnson had another terrific game, stuffing the stat-sheet per usual. He finished with 15 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Hawks third string center, Bruno Fernando, performed surprisingly well, leading the team in scoring, with 19 points.
It was a great experience for younger players like A.J. Griffin and Johnson, who often must play conservatively due to the talent of the roster. Atlanta will look to secure the 7th seed on Tuesday with a play-in date against the Miami Heat.
Tip-off for that one is at 7:30 p.m. eastern from Miami’s Kaseya Center.
