Aloha,
This was a good win. It really feels like this team is really coming together. And it was a team effort. We shot the ball well. 43% from 3 and 49% overall. And 5 guys were in double figures.
the Hawks are not a good defensive team. But it was our defense that impressed me the most. The Hawks are a very good offensive team. They are 5th in the league in scoring at 117 a game and we held them to 102. We also out rebounded them by 17 boards. If We didn’t have turnover issues again we would have won by more than 17.
We are now 4th in the west and climbing. The DFS trade was a great move that will pay off more as he becomes familiar with our system.
I believe we have a real shot at the 4th seed.
https://x.com/Klutch_23/status/1875421426620232010
https://x.com/WITNESSKJ/status/1875419930654601345
I agree with you about our having an excellent shot at locking up the fourth seed (or even third or second seed, depending on how the Grizzlies and Rockets next couple of weeks.
The key is we’re starting to see some consistency both from LeBron and AD but most importantly from our other key contributors like Reaves, Christie, Knecht, Hayes, Koloko and certainly DFS. One thing we can do now is beat the teams we’re supposed to beat.
Suddenly, Lakers are playing top-10 defense over last 11 games and have a chance to consolidate their hold on #4 see over next 9 games, starting with Texas roadie 2-step. This could a statement road trip for the Lakers if they can beat a team right in front of them and one right on their heels.
What’s encouraging and discouraging is we’ve seen elite offense and elite defense from this team but never at the same time. We know we can be good or even elite at both so the challenge from JJ is to do but with a defense-first mentality. Your offense can come and go but defense must always be there. That’s a championship proven stance. We’re slowly working to get there but will need Rob’s help to do it.