Atlanta Hawks: 5 Takeaways From Friday’s Elimination Game 6

Apr 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives against Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) in the fourth quarter of game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 116-98. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives against Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) in the fourth quarter of game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 116-98. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives against Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) in the fourth quarter of game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 116-98. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives against Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) in the fourth quarter of game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 116-98. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Hawks failed to stave off elimination Friday night. Here are a few key aspects that led to their elimination in Game 6.

Facing elimination for the first time this season, the Atlanta Hawks failed to find a way to force a Game 7, falling 115-99 to the Washington Wizards in Game 6.

At no point during the 48-minute contest did the Hawks have the lead, as an Otto Porter Jr. jumper less than four minutes into the game snapped a tie at 10 and gave Washington an advantage it never let slip away.

Only six points separated the two teams in the series, but Friday’s 16-point defeat ended the season, even after the team staged an incredible comeback to make it a one-possession game in the fourth quarter.

Atlanta received an impressive outing from All-Star forward Paul Millsap, as he delivered 31 points on 13-of-23 shooting, 10 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and a block. His play was so valuable for the Hawks that he spent just two minutes on the bench.

For the second straight contest, point guard Dennis Schroder totaled more than 25 points and 10 assists, becoming the first postseason performer in Hawks history to accomplish the feat.

Their exceptional individual efforts weren’t enough to topple Washington in the series.

Several factors went into the Hawks being eliminated from postseason contention Friday night. Let’s breakdown five aspects the team couldn’t overcome during a 115-99 defeat.