Optimism in Atlanta hit a speed bump after just one game. While there's plenty of time to right the ship, the Hawks' faithful were hoping for a bit more consistency following a promising post-All-Star break performance.
Sure, fatigue played a role, but that doesn't excuse getting steamrolled at home by a team with a similar roster makeup. Friday night's game against the Heat was a glaring reminder of persistent issues that have haunted the Hawks all season.
The Achilles' heel? Atlanta's interior defense. It's a weakness that's become more pronounced as the season has unfolded, and it was on full display during this latest deflating performance.
Onyeka Okongwu has been a bright spot, showing significant growth, particularly with his outside shot and overall offensive game. Yet, this offensive leap seems to have come at a cost. His defensive struggles are starting to overshadow his impressive offensive contributions.
Hawks fans have seen this before. When a player elevates their offensive game, their defensive presence often takes a hit. Okongwu's challenges on defense are becoming a concern.
Simply put, the Hawks need a strong presence in the paint alongside Jalen Johnson.
When your starting frontcourt is your offensive backbone, it's typically a good sign. But if they're both lacking defensively, building a winning team becomes a tall order. It's as straightforward as that.
On Friday, the Miami Heat exploited this glaring weakness, attacking the paint relentlessly. That's smart coaching from Erik Spoelstra, who has consistently found ways to outmaneuver the Hawks.
Bam Adebayo seized the opportunity, leading the charge with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Off the bench, Kel'el Ware added to the onslaught with 14 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing Miami's depth and strategy.
The rebounding battle was another sore spot for Atlanta, with Miami winning the margin 58-46. This trend is troubling, and if the Hawks have playoff aspirations, they'll need to get serious about shoring up their interior defense.
Next up, the Hawks face the Brooklyn Nets at home on Sunday, presenting their frontcourt with a golden opportunity to bounce back against another team with a vulnerable interior.