3 Keys For The Atlanta Hawks To Defeat The Washington Wizards

The Atlanta Hawks will face the Washington Wizards for the first time since Trae Young's controversial trade to D.C. This game holds extra significance for both teams. For the Hawks, it marks their first meeting with Young since the trade, while for the Wizards, it's Trae's first game in front of the home crowd since the transfer. To win, the Hawks must focus on three key aspects.

Firstly, they need to slow down Young in the two-man game. Young is second in pick-and-roll frequency behind Ty Jerome and is currently leading the league in assists. However, his turnover rate has decreased this season, which could make him easier to defend against. The Hawks must find a way to limit Young's effectiveness in this area.

Secondly, the Hawks need to find a body for Anthony Davis. Davis is still among the best in the league in scoring, averaging 23 points on 55.8% true shooting and 9.1 rebounds per game. The Hawks have struggled against opposing big men, and Davis could be a significant challenge if they don't have a plan defensively. They need to match Davis with a bigger defensive presence to limit his offensive output.

Lastly, the Hawks must find balance offensively. They have attempted a season-high 51 three-pointers in their last game against the Indiana Pacers. While the Wizards are one of the best teams at defending threes, the Hawks still need to maintain a balance in their offense. They should aim to get the ball inside the paint, but this will be difficult against Davis and Alex Sarr. The Hawks' free-throw attempts per game are also relatively high, so they need to minimize their mistakes in the paint to succeed.