Like the Bobcats before them, the Hawks couldn’t do anything against the defense of the Orlando Magic in game one. The Hawks were a top-five team in offensive efficiency in the regular season, but that number was more the product of a low turnover rate and high offensive rebound rate than it was the product of effective shooting by the Hawks. As John Hollinger pointed out earlier today, the Hawks are an isolation-heavy team in the half-court -- that approach worked for them in the regular season, but it isn’t going to get it done against Dwight Howard and Co.
The Hawks only managed 71 points in game one, and what makes it even worse is that they got 20 points off of Magic turnovers. That means they scored 51 points against the Magic’s half-court defense in 48 minutes of play. They couldn’t defend the Magic either, allowing Orlando to score 114 points on 52.4% shooting from the field. Atlanta got embarrassed in game one. Here’s what needs to change if they even want to be competitive in game two:
-Move the ball. Try to move the ball. Maybe get out in transition more. Anything that isn’t holding the ball and letting Dwight Howard prepare for a drive would be an improvement. Someone needs to get more than three assists, and the team’s assist:turnover ratio has to be better than 12:15.
-Do something different on Howard. Bring immediate doubles. Foul him. Call him bad names. Anything but continue to give him easy dunks in the paint.
-Get something out of Jamaal Crawford. He might be the best shooter on the team, and he’s certainly the best shooter off the dribble. He can get points without needing to venture into the paint, which is a must against the Magic. He needs to do better than 1-11.
-Attack Lewis in the post with Josh Smith or Horford, depending on who Lewis is guarding. Posting up Lewis keeps Howard from being able to alter the shot unless he commits to an extreme double, which will leave somebody free. If there was ever a great time for Josh Smith to realize he’s a power forward, it’s now.
Even if the Hawks manage to do all those things successfully, the Magic could still win easily. This is a horrible matchup for the Hawks, and the Magic look unstoppable right now. Still, there’s a reason they play the games.