Atlanta Hawks: 4 Keys To Winning Game 2

May 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) drives to the hoop against Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Guard Penetration

The Atlanta Hawks offense was at their peak when both Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder were driving to the basket in Game 1. With both Al Horford and Paul Millsap struggling from the field, Dennis Schroder’s speed going to the basket brought the Hawks back from an 18 point deficit.

Jeff Teague did not play particularly well, finishing with only eight points and only 2-for-9 from the field. Teague must come back strong in Game 2 and play with the same fervor that his backup did on Monday.

When the Hawks’ guards use their speed to get to the basket, the Hawks offense opens up, giving the rest of the team increased opportunities. They can finish at the rim, dump off a pass to one of their bigs, or even use the penetration for spacing purposes to find an open shooter on the perimeter.

The Cavaliers had trouble defending Schroder in Game 1 and the Hawks should continue utilizing his speed. In fact, Bud would be wise to try to use both Teague and Schroder in the same lineup to shake things up.

Next: No. 2

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