Basketball at French time, the Martin Luther King Day, two legends at the microphone, a floor and a presentation that slam but also two coaches on borrowed time. We had much to hope for some sparks for this Hawks-Wolves at State Farm Arena. Unfortunately for us, the result is far from conclusive.
26-17… No, it’s not the score at the end of the first quarter between Atlanta and Minnesota but the number of balls lost for the two teams at the end of this basketball porridge that we slowly digested for more than two o’clock. On paper, no problem, the Hawks have a lot more talent and as soon as they accelerate a little or put in a little good will, the gap swells. Except that there is so much junk in their game that the Wolves come closer every time. The Minnesota racquet is totally on the street in this game so Clint Capela takes advantage. Finally served at the post, Switzerland slams a second game in a row with more than 20 points, 15 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell and Trae Young were expected in an All-Star point guard, they hit the big numbers but (again) showed a dramatic level in defense. It’s hard to know which one is the least concerned. Except that unlike the old Warrior, Trae can count on teammates to ensure the scoring. No Falcons major five player finished below fifteen points tonight. Conversely, the Wolves had to draw on their resources to assist their leader in the comeback. In vain. When there is no D-Lo or even Malik Beasley to create (a little), this team looks at each other and nothing happens. In defense it’s terrifying, in attack it’s hardly better and that’s when all eyes turn to Ryan Saunders, who does nothing. Ok, there is no Karl-Anthony Towns and that plays a lot on the level of a team but it is not possible to display such a level. According to Detroit’s result against Miami, Wolves could wake up with worst record in the League tomorrow, and it’s deserved.
On the Hawks side, there’s really nothing to jump to the ceiling either. The waste seen this evening does not fall from the sky and confirms that the start of the season looks more like a smokescreen than anything else. Tonight, it wins because the team opposite managed to do worse and it was not easy. But Tonight’s Atlanta doesn’t make the Spring Playoffs, that’s for sure. Maybe they’ll hand out the orangeades on the aisle, but good luck getting around Nets, Bucks, Celtics, Pacers or Sixers like that. Yeah, there are guys who do stats, Kevin Huerter had a pretty good game like De’Andre Hunter but it’s the tree that hides the forest. Lloyd Pierce is not the most Zen coach in the world on his bench and we can’t even say if tonight’s victory wins or loses points. Not sure that Travis Schlenk invested so much this fall for a show of this quality.
If you were late and missed the game, don’t worry, we’re here to make up for it. Big stats but a show that does not honor the man of the day, Doctor King. The Georgia players at least offered the victory to the former Atlanta native. Sometimes you have to settle for a few things.
