Happy New Year to everyone around the globe and in Atlanta. Locally, we were gifted with a Hawks-Spurs matchup that displayed quality basketball all-around and even went into overtime.
Just two days ago the Hawks edged the Pistons to bring the club’s record above .500 (17-16). That game Paul Millsap went off and dominated for the Hawks.
Tonight showed much of the same with Millsap scoring 32 points, nabbing 13 rebounds, and going 3 for 5 from 3-point range.
What I was most impressed with was the performance by Tim Hardaway Jr. He scored 28 points while playing 30 minutes and was second in points behind Millsap. But what was most impressive about his performance tonight was his shooting. His FG% was 86.4% dropping 11 of 13 buckets and went 6 for 7 (85.7%) from 3-point territory.
The Hawks got a big boost from their offensive efficiency tonight. Every club strives for perfection (not committing turnovers) but it’s extremely hard to do. But for playing an entire game plus an extra time period, 11 turnovers isn’t too bad of a number.
The Spurs were led by Lamarcus Aldridge’s 27 points and 13 rebounds, followed by Tony Parker’s 22 point, 6 assist performance.
For the second night in a row, the Hawks found themselves crossing the century mark in points (114).
It was an exciting game from both sides. It was almost cruel how the game made it to overtime in the first place. What looked like the game winner by Kawhi Leonard took the longest, cruelest, roll-out I’ve seen in some time.
The Hawks won 114-112 and should feel good about their performance. The Spurs sit in second place in the Western Conference and are a dominant force every year.
This win brings the Hawks win-streak to two matches and will hope to make a third, Wednesday against the Orlando Magic.
-Jon J.
Photo: Hakim Wright