Game 2: MEM vs ATL
Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2020 3:05 pm
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Hawks SB NationPreview: Hawks aim to stay hot in Memphis
The Atlanta Hawks put on quite a show on Wednesday evening, scoring 111 points in the first three quarters and zooming to a lopsided victory over the Chicago Bulls. After a practice on Thursday and a break for travel on Christmas, Trae Young and the Hawks return to Memphis for a match-up against the Grizzlies on Saturday evening.
Atlanta and Memphis faced off twice in the preseason, splitting the results on the scoreboard, and these two teams are quite familiar with one another. As such, it will be interesting to see how both squads adjust with such a short turnaround and only one game for each side since the Hawks returned home at the conclusion of the preseason.
While the Hawks were explosive offensively in the opener, Memphis brings a different challenge on both ends, operating at a higher level than Chicago presented. One example is the overall play of Ja Morant, with the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year erupting for 44 points and nine assists in the Grizzlies’ first game of the regular season.
As of Friday evening, the Hawks are listed as 1-point underdogs in Memphis, which is a shift — potentially as a result of the busy injury report — from the opening line. Still, this is viewed as a virtual toss-up, and Atlanta has a chance to improve to 2-0 if they can replicate the offensive showing they put forth on Wednesday.
vtime wrote:What happened to Clarke? I thought he was a steal last year and thought for sure he would start at the 4 with JJJ out this year.
Jamaaliver wrote:
VCfor3 wrote:JV has struggled these first two games relative to his normal consistent self. Anderson has really stepped it up and I love Konchar in his limited minutes. The guy just plays hard.
Whole Truth wrote:VCfor3 wrote:JV has struggled these first two games relative to his normal consistent self. Anderson has really stepped it up and I love Konchar in his limited minutes. The guy just plays hard.
JV doesn't fumble rebounds & miss bunnies, he's being fouled on both ends.
Morant finally had enough of the BS, gets a tech after taking contact with no call. While Young/Hawks are getting to the line flopping all over the court.
VCfor3 wrote:Whole Truth wrote:VCfor3 wrote:JV has struggled these first two games relative to his normal consistent self. Anderson has really stepped it up and I love Konchar in his limited minutes. The guy just plays hard.
JV doesn't fumble rebounds & miss bunnies, he's being fouled on both ends.
Morant finally had enough of the BS, gets a tech after taking contact with no call. While Young/Hawks are getting to the line flopping all over the court.
He has these first two games. Some were fouls sure, but plenty weren't. He'll shake it off and be back to himself before long. He is one player I'm not worried about.
Some of the foul calls and no calls were rough at the end of this game. Atlanta still probably wins but it would have been close.
Whole Truth wrote:VCfor3 wrote:Whole Truth wrote:
JV doesn't fumble rebounds & miss bunnies, he's being fouled on both ends.
Morant finally had enough of the BS, gets a tech after taking contact with no call. While Young/Hawks are getting to the line flopping all over the court.
He has these first two games. Some were fouls sure, but plenty weren't. He'll shake it off and be back to himself before long. He is one player I'm not worried about.
Some of the foul calls and no calls were rough at the end of this game. Atlanta still probably wins but it would have been close.
No doubt, Memphis didn't play well at all & should have been blown out & maybe a better team would have.
Doesn't change the fact that teams can't breathe on Zion, while Morant can't get any respect while being extremely aggressive. It's straight up BS.
Fake ass league for true competition.
VCfor3 wrote:Whole Truth wrote:VCfor3 wrote:He has these first two games. Some were fouls sure, but plenty weren't. He'll shake it off and be back to himself before long. He is one player I'm not worried about.
Some of the foul calls and no calls were rough at the end of this game. Atlanta still probably wins but it would have been close.
No doubt, Memphis didn't play well at all & should have been blown out & maybe a better team would have.
Doesn't change the fact that teams can't breathe on Zion, while Morant can't get any respect while being extremely aggressive. It's straight up BS.
Fake ass league for true competition.
I'm hoping that will change if Ja continues playing like he has. I think he is seen as "the up-and-coming" star but who is still young so maybe at fault and thus doesn't get the benefit of the doubt. Zion was gifted immediate high level stardom. Trae was able to earn his star status last year and get it verified with the All Star nod. Being tied to Luka because of the draft trade doesn't hurt either. Ja breaking out this year will put him roughly where Trae was last year so hopefully he'll start getting the respect and whistle at some point this season.
Whole Truth wrote:VCfor3 wrote:Whole Truth wrote:
No doubt, Memphis didn't play well at all & should have been blown out & maybe a better team would have.
Doesn't change the fact that teams can't breathe on Zion, while Morant can't get any respect while being extremely aggressive. It's straight up BS.
Fake ass league for true competition.
I'm hoping that will change if Ja continues playing like he has. I think he is seen as "the up-and-coming" star but who is still young so maybe at fault and thus doesn't get the benefit of the doubt. Zion was gifted immediate high level stardom. Trae was able to earn his star status last year and get it verified with the All Star nod. Being tied to Luka because of the draft trade doesn't hurt either. Ja breaking out this year will put him roughly where Trae was last year so hopefully he'll start getting the respect and whistle at some point this season.
Officiating bias cannot be a level playing field, Zion's gifted respect is the league catering to ratings over true & fair competition.
VCfor3 wrote:Whole Truth wrote:VCfor3 wrote:I'm hoping that will change if Ja continues playing like he has. I think he is seen as "the up-and-coming" star but who is still young so maybe at fault and thus doesn't get the benefit of the doubt. Zion was gifted immediate high level stardom. Trae was able to earn his star status last year and get it verified with the All Star nod. Being tied to Luka because of the draft trade doesn't hurt either. Ja breaking out this year will put him roughly where Trae was last year so hopefully he'll start getting the respect and whistle at some point this season.
Officiating bias cannot be a level playing field, Zion's gifted respect is the league catering to ratings over true & fair competition.
It definitely isn't level, but I'm just hoping it starts to play in our favor at some point if it is going to be bias haha.