Now or Never: Atlanta Hawks Playoff Recap

The Atlanta Hawks slipped to 0-2 in the playoff series after falling to the Miami Heat 115-105 on Tuesday in Game 2 at FTX Arena.

In game 1, on Sunday Trae Young struggled all first half, while the Hawks was miserable on both ends of the court.

Clint Capela was out while Big Man John Collins returned, (foot, finger injuries) for the first time in 19 games. Collins put up 13 and 10 in his first start back.

 

In the end Miami size and physicality was their advantage in the playoff-opening 115-91 win in Game 1.

In game 2 on Tuesday night, the matchup was a much different game. Trae Young played with confidence and the first half was a strong back and forth battle. It was late in the 4th quarter when Atlanta slashed Miami’s lead to three points. Jimmy Butler scored seven straight to put Miami back up 10 and the Hawks never recovered. The Heat snatched  a 2-0 series lead and a 115-105 victory in South Beach. Butler poured in 45 points on 25 shots.


Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Hawks in scoring with 29 points, Trae Young finished with 25 points.

“I think the difference in the game tonight was turnovers,” said McMillan postgame. “You can’t have 19 turnovers in a playoff game and expect to win games. They scored 21 points off of our turnovers, a lot of those came in transition — 20 points in fast-break points. I thought that was the difference in the game. We’ve got to do a better job taking care of the ball, not playing in traffic, passing in traffic, dribbling in traffic.

Up Next: Game 3 is a must-win game for the Hawks. The team will return home on Friday night to host the Heat in games 3 and 4. Tip off is at 7:00.

Stay tuned in for further 2021-22 NBA Playoff coverage.