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Three Takeaways From Hawks Loss to the Denver Nuggets

Originally posted on Atlanta Hawks on SI
By Jackson Caudell | Last updated Dec 11, 2023 10:28 PM ET

Atlanta was not expected to win the game against the Nuggets tonight when they were down two starters, but this game was non-competitive outside of a good first quarter by the Hawks.

After leading by eight after the opening quarter, the Hawks just could not keep up with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets dominated the rest of the way. Not only that, Trae Young was ejected and the Hawks could not recover from him being off the floor.

The bottom line is that the Hawks have now lost four in a row ahead of two important games against the Raptors this week. Both teams are next to each other in the standings and could use these wins.

So what are the takeaways from tonight's game?

1. This season feels like it could be teetering in the wrong direction for the Hawks

The Hawks have now lost four in a row and six of their last seven games. Ever since Jalen Johnson went down with an injury, this team has not looked the same and has not played with the same energy. Johnson is an important player for sure, but this team should not collapse just because he is injured.

Aside from Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic, it is hard to argue that anyone on this team is playing well at the moment. The defense remains atrocious and among the NBA's worst as well.

There are a lot of things that can be said about the way that the Hawks are playing right now, but the most bothersome might be the energy they play with at times. As soon as Denver retook the lead tonight, Atlanta went long stretches where the energy levels were poor and they did not recover until the team started to hit some shots when it was too little too late.

Trade rumors are flying right now around this team and if they can't get something turned around, it might be time to shake things up in Atlanta.

2. Bogdan Bogdanovic had a career night

I have been saying that Bogdan Bogdanovic should be getting more love for the Sixth Man of the Year award and tonight was proof of it. Bogdanovic hit 10 three-pointers and scored 40 points. He was the main reason that the Hawks still had life after the Nuggets took what seemed to be an insurmountable lead in the second half. He has arguably been the Hawks second best player this season and he deserves a lot of praise for the way he plays every game.

3. The rest of the bench contributions were minimal again

Bogdanovic did come off the bench, but he played starter-level minutes and a lot more than the typical bench player. Guys like Wesley Matthews, Garrison Matthews, Onyeka Okongwu, and even AJ Griffin did not contribute much tonight and the Denver bench had more guys contributing in a variety of ways. Julian Strawther had 22 points and Reggie Jackson had 12 points and six assists.

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This article first appeared on Atlanta Hawks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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