The Atlanta Hawks did not look like Eastern Conference contenders in Game 3 against the Brooklyn Nets which saw the team put forward one of their worst offensive showings of the season. Any plans of a first-round sweep are out the window leaving the Hawks in need of a bounce-back performance. As injuries hit the Nets, the team two teams prepare to square off for Game 4 at the Barclays Center.
Atlanta was a far cry from the team that won 60 games in the regular season while shooting 46.6 percent under Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer. Game 3 was ugly for the team as has been the entire first round. Against the Nets, the Hawks are only averaging 92.7 points on 39.0 percent shooting after averaging 102.5 points per game in the regular season. The team's shooting woes continue while they are getting outrebounded and outscored in the paint.
The Hawks are very aware of their struggles as Al Horford remains hopeful the team can find their edge again. Teague shot just 4 for 13 on Saturday with four turnovers. Sharp-shooter Kyle Korver had just two points while going 0 for 5 from long range. It was his first game without a 3-point shot since April 11, 2014. Horford added just 12 points. The team looked slow and allowed Brooklyn to pretty much have any shot they wanted during all four quarters.
The x-factor for Brooklyn was the 18-0 run they went on in the third and fourth quarter while Brook Lopez stole the show. Lopez and Thaddeus Young combined for 40 points and 24 rebounds in Game 3. Lopez is currently averaging 20.6 points against the Hawks when playing at home. The win ended a seven-game losing streak to the Hawks, one that Atlanta would like to start again.
The lingering question mark for the Nets will be Deron Williams. The point guard is reportedly dealing with tendinitis issues and the New York Post believes there is a chance Williams could sit for Game 4. He has five points over the last two games and did not play the final 16 minutes of Game 3. He is a game-time decision.
