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

By Brendan Galella

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 28, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates in the closing minutes of their game against the Atlanta Hawks in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates in the closing minutes of their game against the Atlanta Hawks in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Shooting Guard Disparity Too Wide

Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer altered his starting lineup for the playoff series, opting to place rookie Taurean Prince at small forward for a defensive impact and Tim Hardaway Jr. at shooting guard to provide an offensive spark.

The addition of Hardaway Jr. failed to produce the desired results, as he averaged 12.8 points per game and struggled to make shots. Hardaway Jr. shot just 32.9 percent from the field and 26.4 percent from three-point range.

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The shooting guard disparity was clearly evident Friday night, as Beal totaled 31 points, the inverse of Hardaway Jr., who had 13.

In five of the six games, Beal scored 10 or more points than Hardaway Jr., as he posted 25.8 points per game and leads all postseason performers with 53 made shots from three-point range and 14 steals.

In Game 6, Beal combined with Wall to make their case as one of the most prolific backcourt pairings in the league. The duo of Beal and Wall combined to score 73 points, the most they have ever scored together during their five-year stint in Washington.

Wall (42 points) and Beal (31) became the first pair of teammates to simultaneously post a 40-point and 30-point outing to close out a series since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen achieved the feat when knocking out Miami in the opening round of the 1992 NBA Playoffs.

Hardaway Jr. totaled 77 points in the series, 78 fewer than the 155 points Bradley Beal posted for Washington during the six games. The scoring differential was a huge factor considering the Wizards only totaled six more points in the opening round.

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