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

Defense Failed To Close Out Key Possessions

Simply put, the Atlanta Hawks couldn’t deter their opponents from missing enough shots in Game 6.

Washington converted 53.8 percent of its attempts from the field, hit 41.7 percent of its shots from three-point range and even knocked down 84 percent of its free throws. Both teams attempted 78 shots on the night, only the Wizards were more efficient, converting five additional free throws and field goals, along with one more three-pointer.

Only one starter, center Marcin Gortat, failed to shoot above 50 percent in the game, while the starting lineup for Washington totaled more points (100) than the entire Atlanta roster Friday night.

The true shooting percentage of 64.6 percent the Wizards posted was by far its best mark of the series, as it closed out with an average of 54.8 percent — an impressive figure considering Atlanta’s defensive prowess.

Entering the 2017 NBA Playoffs, the Hawks posted the fourth-best defensive rating in the league at 105.8 points allowed per 100 possessions.

The figure was nearly identical during the six-game series against Washington, as the Hawks closed out the set with a 106 rating in defensive efficiency, an average total in postseason play, as points become more scarce.