Quote:
Originally Posted by tjforce
Just looking at numbers...
I'm pretty impressed with Trae's season offensively. At this point there seems to be almost no drop offs from the rule changes. He's averaging 1 more point than last year, higher 3 pt %, same exact 2 pt %. His only real drop off is almost 3 less free throws a game, but he's making it up in other areas.
Hawnks seem to have had 2 issues: 1. A brutal West Coast trip where they dropped 4 out of 4, and 2. a sub par defense.
The Hawnks playing so-so has another effect around here.. the people who love to hate on them are quiet, but so are their biggest supporters. It's the first time in a few years where these guys aren't one of the most talked about teams in the forums.
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Their schedule has been very tough. The early losing stretch schedule went WSH, PHI, WSH, BKN, UTAH, PHX, GS, UTAH, DEN, MIL. I’ve watched them all.
They have rarely played bad, they ran into teams many nights that can’t miss a shot. A lot of teams would have their best 3 point shooting night of the season against them. I wouldn’t say it’s bad defense either. Even making ridiculous 3s at quarter ends etc. They haven’t been playing teams without their stars and getting lucky wins that way. Ja did get hurt in that game, ATL was already looking in control early.
You mention Bogdan in another post. He has already missed almost 2 weeks, and will be out another 2-3 at least.
Obviously Hunter and Cam are big injuries, but Okongwu is huge as well. He was really coming into his own, and getting favored playing time over Capela in some instances down the stretch last year. They don’t have another good center to help keep Clint fresh. Okongwu coming back changes the dynamic of their second unit completely.
Gallo hasn’t been as good as last year, but he has slimmed down and is moving better. It’s only a matter of time before his shot is more consistent. Lou Will has been pretty bad imo. So the guys that have needed to step up because of injuries haven’t been able to. TLC has been a pleasant surprise, but should not be starting. This team is still a monster waiting. Trae has played the best basketball of his career, he is on another level. Shooting, passing, defense, decision making, it’s all upgraded. Lots of fun to watch.