The Atlanta Hawks have advanced to play the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second game of the NBA Play In Series with an impressive 132-103 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena.
Superstar Trae Young recorded a double-double (24 pts, 11 asst) in leading the Hawks over the Hornets, but if the Hawks will have any chance of getting past the Cavs, and making a big run in the 2022 NBA Playoffs they will need the supporting cast to play in similar fashion throughout the next several weeks.
De’Andre Hunter chipped in 22 big points, Danilo Gallinari recorded 18, and Clint Capela also had a double-double (15pts, 17 rebs) as six Hawks scored in double figures on the way to the blowout victory.
“He showed growth last night”, is how Head Coach Nate McMillian described what he saw out of De’Andre Hunter when asked by Andy & Randy about Hunter’s stellar performance vs Charlotte.
Coach went on to say, “He was solid on both ends of the floor for us last night”, when describing the way Hunter not only scored the ball but also defended Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball.
When asked about the steady play that Danilo Gallinari has shown over the last weeks while starting in in place of the injured John Collings, Coach McMillian replied by saying, “Gallo is a gamer, this team of the year is when he is at his best.”
The Hawks will look to set the tone early when they face off with the Cavaliers Friday at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, where the Cavs went 25-16 this season.
