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*Photo via AFP
The Atlanta Hawks hold off the Brooklyn Nets for the 107-97 victory. The Hawks controlled this one for the most part, but the Nets made it interesting late.
The Hawks executed down the stretch and the Nets did not, that was the difference in this game.
The game started all Hawks, just like the other two games in Atlanta. The Hawks came out with a ton of energy and that helped force some careless Nets turnovers.
So much for Deron Williams being aggressive in game five, he didn’t attempt a shot until late in the first quarter. The Nets definitely could've used a few plays from him in the first. They finished the quarter down 33-16.
The Nets responded to start the second quarter, and went on a 11-0 run. This run was sparked by Alan Anderson who didn’t miss in the first half. The Hawks responded, specifically DeMarre Carroll who had 19 points in the first half.
The half ended with the Hawks up 53-44.
The third quarter started with the Hawks taking advantage of the Nets sloppy play, and expanding their lead. The Hawks held their lead around double-digits for most of the third quarter.
Kyle Korver hit three threes in the third and the Hawks finished the quarter up 12. The Hawks were executing on both ends of the floor.
The Hawks did have a scare in the third when Jeff Teague had to go to the locker room for an ankle injury. Luckily he was okay and able to return for the Hawks.
The Nets made it interesting in the fourth quarter, they had an 11-0 run just like in the second. They even were able to cut the lead to two at one point, but never could get over the hump.
Jarrett Jack caught fire in the fourth, scoring 12 straight at one point, The Nets also saw Joe Johnson hit back-back threes, but it still wasn’t enough. Mainly thanks to Jeff Teague, who answered for the Hawks hitting some big shots. Throw that in with the fact the Nets could not execute down the stretch and you get a Hawks win.
The Hawks played the better game and came away with the win.
Player of the Game: Al Horford. It was mentioned on the OTG podcast that Al Horford needed to be more involved and effective. Tonight he did that with 20 points, 15 rebounds, five assist, and a pair of blocks and steals. Safe to say Horford stepped up tonight.
Dud of the Game:Brook Lopez. We all know the Nets need Lopez to play “big’ if they want a chance to win this series. That wasn’t the case tonight, Brook Lopez had his worst game of the series, finishing with 15 points on four of 13 shooting. To make matters worse Lopez only managed three rebounds in 38 minutes.
Stat of the Game: The Hawks won the battle in the inside, scoring more points in the paint (42-32) and out-rebounding the Nets (43-35).
The home team has won every game in this series, so if the Nets want to win this series they need to pull one out in Atlanta. The Hawks on the other hand will try to end this series in six.
The Nets will need more energy from the start in game six, and will need better play from Deron Williams and Brook Lopez. They also need to clean-up those sloppy turnovers, especially down the stretch. Coach Hollins needs to make a few adjustments.
The Hawks hope for a similar style game in Brooklyn on Friday. It benefits the Hawks when the game gets closer to a 100. They have a dangerous offense and love to get out in the open court. It also will be important for Al Horford to have another big game offensively and defensively on Brook Lopez.
One thing's for sure, this series has been a lot more entertaining than many imagined.
Game six is Friday at 8pm on ESPN