In Atlanta’s 106-105 loss to New Orleans, the Hawks had one of their strongest offensive nights this season. Yet, it wasn’t enough.
The Hawks shot the lights out in their one-point defeat at New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center. Atlanta was a stellar 17-for-36 from 3-point land Monday night, scorching the Pelicans’ generous and giving perimeter defense for a season-best long-range makes this season.
Atlanta had seven players — yes, seven — finish in double figures, and scored 51 points from behind the 3-point line.
Kent Bazemore posted a Hawks-high 22 points. Next was Tyler Cavanaugh’s 16 points. Marco Belinelli added 14. Luke Babbitt and John Collins had 12. Dewayne Dedmon and Dennis Schroder posted 11 apiece.
“That’s important for this team, having a lot of guys contribute,” Cavanaugh said.
Everyone had their fair share in Monday’s “frustrating” loss, coach Mike Budenholzer said.
“That’s the way we play,” Budenholzer said. “Every night, we feel like a lot of guys can participate, a lot of guys can be part of the offense and score, make plays and get to double figures. ... It’s just kind of the way we’re built.”
Although they may not have scheduled for 17 3-point buckets, the Hawks’ superb shooting night escorted Atlanta in position for its third win this season — like they planned prior to Monday’s tip.
“Yeah, I mean, I think going into the game we needed our bigs to make 3’s and spread them out,” Budenholzer said of neutralizing New Orleans' imposing bigs, DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis.
With a chance to win, trailing by one point largely because of the plentiful 3-pointers, Schroder tossed a turnover out of bounds with fewer than four seconds on the clock. Somehow, the Hawks had another chance.
With 0.7 seconds remaining, after a Taurean Prince steal, Bazemore heaved a 26-foot 3-pointer as the final horn rang throughout the Smoothie King Center, sending Atlanta home with third road loss as many games on the road trip.
“It’s very tough,” Cavanaugh said.
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