In the Scope: Golden State Warriors x Atlanta Hawks preview

Magic City Baby

By: JM.Poulard

Wednesday night, the Golden State Warriors (12-18) will travel to the great state of Georgia to take on the Atlanta Hawks (20-13) who just recently dispatched the Milwaukee Bucks. The Hawks have always been an interesting team to watch because of the skill of their perimeter players. Let’s have a look at how they use the talent they have on the roster.

On offense, Atlanta produces 96.5 points per game (20^th in the NBA) on 46.7% field goal shooting (seventh in the NBA) thanks in large part to their players that play on the outside. Indeed, with players like Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford, Mike Bibby, Josh Smith (starts at power forward but plays like a small forward) and Marvin Williams; it’s hard for Hawks fans to be jealous of other teams perimeter players.

Atlanta is efficient at shooting the ball because they find ways to create high percentage shots with their perimeter players. Given the fact that they are taller and bigger than most players at the shooting guard and small forward positions, the Hawks find ways to post up their players and take advantage of mismatches. Once teams come to double team them in the post, they do a good job of kicking out the ball and then attacking areas left vacant by the defense.

Typically teams draw up their offense to take advantage of double teams by putting shooters on the floor to drill shots from deep. The Hawks do have some shooters in Bibby, Johnson and Crawford but opt to take a different rout. Instead of settling for three point shots (they average 16.8 three point field goal attempts, which is good for 16^th in the NBA), Atlanta’s players drive the ball off of double teams to get midrange shots. According to Hoopdata, Atlanta averages 23.9 shots from 16 to 23 feet (third most in the NBA). Because of the athletes they have on the roster, we are conditioned to think that shooting from that distance is detriment to their offense but it’s quite the contrary as evidenced by their 44.8% shooting (second best in the league) percentage on long two point jumpers (between 16 to 23 feet).

The one area of concern on offense for Atlanta is their failure to manufacture inside baskets. Indeed, they only average 18.5 shots at the rim (28^th in the NBA) and convert a fairly low rate of those shots at 59.7% (27^th in the NBA). It actually is perplexing that they struggle to get shot attempts at the basket especially with Al Horford on the roster. He does a good job of creating offense near the basket for himself and also helps his team profit from mismatches when he plays in the high post. Indeed, Horford is quite adept at feeding teammates that are posting up on the low block when he is at the top of the key.

Part of the reason that Atlanta has trouble getting shots at the rim is because their opponents gear their defense to completely shut off the paint because of the highflyers on the Hawks roster. It’s part of the reason that teams freely send double teams at them; they think that forcing them to shoot from midrange will lead to their demise. Consequently, according to Team Rankings, the Hawks only average 36.2 points per game in the paint (26^th in the NBA) and attempt a mere 22.3 free throws per game (27^th in the league). Nonetheless, Atlanta does a great job of sharing the ball to counter their opponents defensive tactics as we can see with their 23.2 assists per game (sixth in the league).

Where the Hawks get themselves into trouble is when they play isolation basketball. More specifically, their offense tends to break down when their guards decide to play one on one. It usually results in low percentage shots for the isolated player or leads to a drive a kick where the player accepting the pass and firing away from deep is one of the teams lesser shooters.

On defense, this Hawks team surrenders 94.5 points per game (seventh in the NBA) on 44.9% field goal shooting (12^th in NBA). Part of the reason that Atlanta is such a good defensive team is their ability to play single coverage on post players. Between Al Horford and Jason Collins, they have two great low post defenders that are tough to score on. As a result, Atlanta is not often caught in rotations off double teams and players have an easier time playing one on one defense. Indeed, Atlanta allows opponents to shoot 21.2 shots at the rim (12^th best in the association) and also holds them to a fairly low 60.7% field goal shooting at the basket (ninth best in the NBA).

Given the fact that the Hawks routinely single cover post players, it is easier for them to stay at home on shooters and challenge their shots. Atlanta is the second best team in the league at defending the three point shot, as they hold opponents to 31.4% shooting from deep.

As good as the Hawks defense is though, it struggles when put into pick and roll situations. The Hawks do a decent job of rotating on the screener, but are inconsistent with their rotations towards the player that normally moves into the spot vacated by the defense (usually around a few feet away from the elbows) from about 19 feet. According to Hoopdata, Atlanta gives up the second most shots in the NBA from 16 to 23 feet with 22.4 per game; and they allow opponents to hit 42.6% of their attempts from that range (28^th in the NBA).

The other area of concern for the Hawks is their inability to guard good perimeter scorers at the guard positions. Mike Bibby, Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson can often times be exposed defensively when they are on the court. And well, given the fact that at least two of these players are usually on the floor together; it puts a strain on their defense. Have a look at some of the performances they have given up to some backcourts this season:

One would expect that a team with a potent backcourt such as the Warriors would be able to take advantage of Atlanta’s guards. Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry should have a field day against Atlanta and will probably be the key to the Dubs getting a win on the road. Also, if the Warriors can pound the offensive glass like they have done all season, it should allow them to get some second chance points and convert a few baskets right at the rim.

Atlanta game notes: Jamal Crawford has been bothered by his back as of late but should still play tonight.

Golden State game notes: Dan Gadzuric (groin) and Andris Biedrins (ankle) are both out.