Hawks face disheartening defeat against Pistons, raising concerns for the season ahead
Last night marked a low point for the Atlanta Hawks as they fell to the Detroit Pistons by a staggering 27 points. This defeat not only serves as the Hawks’ third loss to Detroit this season but also highlights a troubling trend that dates back to last year. As the season progresses, questions about the Hawks’ ability to fulfill their lofty ambitions have begun to surface.
Recurring Struggles Against Detroit
The Hawks have not managed to secure a win against the Pistons this season, a statistic that amplifies the frustration surrounding the team. Despite the absence of key players due to injury, the game revealed familiar issues that have hindered the Hawks in their quest for success. The recurring challenges against the Pistons raise doubts about the Hawks’ capacity to compete at a high level, particularly as they aim for a playoff run.
Lineup Versatility and Rebounding Woes
One of the primary motivations behind acquiring Kristaps Porzingis was to enhance the Hawks’ versatility and provide additional size to contend with larger, more physical opponents. However, even with this addition, the team continues to struggle against bigger squads. Onyeka Okongwu, while often underrated, has had difficulty asserting himself in matchups against the Pistons and similar teams.
Statistical analysis further underscores Atlanta’s rebounding challenges. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Hawks have consistently ranked above 15th in offensive rebounding percentage since the 2017-2018 season, with their lowest finish being 18th. Currently, they find themselves at a troubling 24th—a stark reminder of their ongoing difficulties on the boards. For the Hawks to solidify their position among the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, significant improvements in this area are essential.
Injuries and Future Prospects
While the return of Trae Young from injury is expected to alleviate some of the team’s struggles, it is clear that his presence alone will not resolve the rebounding issues plaguing the Hawks. The path forward requires a focused strategy to enhance their physicality and effectiveness on the glass.
As the calendar approaches December, the urgency for the Hawks to address these glaring deficiencies intensifies. The question remains: how will they adapt and respond to overcome their current challenges?
