Hoops Habit
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Areas Of Improvement For Playoffs

By Jonathan Savitske

Mar 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) grabs a rebound against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) and Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) for a rebound during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) grabs a rebound against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) and Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) for a rebound during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) attempts a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Kris Humphries (43) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 101-90. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) attempts a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Kris Humphries (43) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 101-90. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Perimeter defense

The Hawks’ defense has been nothing short of excellent this season, ranking first in defensive efficiency since Jan. 1 and second in the league for the season. The Hawks usually do a great job of closing out on opposing shooters; but when an opponent gets hot or screens really well for their shooters, Atlanta is not at their best.

For the season, opposing teams are shooting only 33.6 percent from beyond the arc. However, when they can’t limit opposing teams from beyond the arc, they will lose.

In the Hawks two losses in their last 10 games, they have allowed teams to shoot well from range. On Wednesday in Toronto, Atlanta allowed the Raptors to shoot 11-for-23 from three-point land, good for 47.8 percent. In their 117-102 loss at home to Wizards on March 21, Washington went 13-for-25 on threes, shooting 52 percent.

The Hawks have trouble with teams that effectively set screens for their shooters, and are unable for their defenders to get under those picks. In order to counteract teams like Toronto that do this effectively, perhaps Atlanta should switch in certain situations to at least let a defender close out on the three-point shooter.

Another is issue is on help defense. The Hawks tend to try to trap ball-handlers, leading defenders to cheat a bit. Once they cheat, that leaves an opposing offensive player an open shot if the trap is unsuccessful.

I’m all for going for steals (the Hawks are fourth in the league in that category), but when it leaves a good shooter an open shot, there is a problem.

Next: Playing Smart

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