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Hawks’ depth tested in loss to Wizards
Hawks’ Depth Tested in Loss to Wizards
A Defensive Struggle
The Atlanta Hawks fell to the Washington Wizards on Friday night, 103-94, in a game that showcased the Hawks' lack of depth. The Hawks were without four of their regular rotation players, including Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, and John Collins, and the Wizards took advantage of their absence to build a double-digit lead in the first half.
The Hawks fought back in the second half, but they couldn't overcome the Wizards' size and athleticism. The Wizards were led by Bradley Beal, who scored 27 points, and Kristaps Porzingis, who added 22 points and 12 rebounds.
Lack of Depth
The Hawks' lack of depth was evident in this game. With Young, Murray, and Collins all out, the Hawks had to rely on their bench players for more minutes than usual. The bench players struggled to fill the void, and the Hawks were outscored by the Wizards' bench 32-14.
The Hawks also struggled to defend the Wizards' size and athleticism. The Wizards were able to get to the rim at will, and they outrebounded the Hawks 52-36. The Hawks were also unable to slow down Beal and Porzingis, who combined to shoot 20-for-41 from the field.
Moving Forward
The Hawks will need to find a way to improve their depth if they want to be a contender in the Eastern Conference. They will need to add some more experienced players to their bench, and they will need to develop their young players more quickly.
The Hawks have a lot of potential, but they need to find a way to improve their depth if they want to reach their full potential.