The Atlanta Hawks fell to the Dallas Mavericks 103-94 in a dragged out loss Sunday night. Both teams would probably agree about their lackluster effort with sloppy play and ‘ticky-tacky’ fouls. The Trae Young vs Luka Doncic debate is here to stay, which usually tends to bring a higher level of intensity. Yet, this game was hard to watch, and Hawks fans are already looking forward to the next game on the calendar.
The Mavericks came into this game winning four out of their last seven games. Doncic has averaged 31 points per game in his last five contests. During Sunday’s game, Doncic only saw 28 minutes of game time due to foul trouble. Doncic had four fouls in the first half, and was called for his fifth foul with just 53 seconds into the third quarter. It was a rather bizarre situation for the Mavericks, as all three of their point guards, Doncic, Jalen Brunson, and Trey Burke, all had five fouls each at one point in this game. Doncic and Brunson, who combined for 40 points, essentially sat out the entire third quarter, and the Hawks still could not capitalize. The Hawks just could not find a way to get the lead or take advantage of Dallas’ foul trouble.
Young struggled all night, finishing 6-of-19 from the field overall, while missing all 6 of his three point attempts for just 17 points. He did end up with 11 assists for another double-double on the season. John Collins did what he could to keep Atlanta in the game finishing with 22 points and 18 rebounds. Atlanta did a great job with the pick-and-roll but went away from that strategy in the second half with errant shots and questionable shot selection.
Atlanta now looks ahead to a three-game work week. First up is the Indiana Pacers, which Atlanta has defeated in their lone meeting this season, 114-111. With this loss tonight, the Hawks fell three games under .500. The Hawks need to pick up their play to have any chance at playoff contention as they cling on to the Eastern Conference’s tenth seed. Tip-off for this one will be at 7:30pm eastern from State Farm Arena.
