Fight for the final place in the playoffs
Irving and Durant, with their unparalleled individual performances, managed to help the Nets secure a playoff spot, meaning the Cavaliers and Hawks, as well as the Hornets, will compete for the final playoff spot. The Cavaliers will be waiting for an opponent at home, which will be spawned from the Game of hornets and hawks. At the end of the regular season, the Hawks were in ninth place in the East, so in this play-off, they had home-court advantage. Although winning does not mean qualifying for the playoffs, losing means the end of the season.
Hayward is still unable to play because of injuries, which undoubtedly makes the Hornets' combat effectiveness greatly reduced, but the Hawks, Lovell and Collins have suffered injuries, so on the whole, the Hawks are more disadvantaged. The Hornets have the league's first assist, and the Eagles have the league's second-highest offensive efficiency, a game that determines the outcome of a game, and no one is sure of winning.
The Hornets lost again in the playoffs
The Hornets' strategy was simple, that is, to pack Trae Young, this move really succeeded, Trae Young shot 8 of 24 in the game, only 24 points, 3 rebounds and 11 assists, including 7 of 7 three-pointers. Trae Young's offense didn't open, but 11 assists were a good tandem for the team. Hunter had 22 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists on 9-of-16 shooting, and 16 points and 4 rebounds on 7-of-7 of 8 shooting in the third quarter, teaming up with Trae Young to lead the Hawks to 42 points in a single quarter, directly widening the point difference to 26 points and locking up the win.
Capela's performance is also remarkable, with 15 points, 17 rebounds and 3 assists on 6-of-9 shooting, as well as 2 steals and 3 blocks, plus-minus +28 for the first place in the team. Both Hürth and Bogdanovic had 13 points, and the Hawks delivered 31 assists and six players from all six to score in double figures. As for the Hornets, although Ball had 26 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists, he shot only 7 of 25 from the field, Rozier also had 21 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, Bridges 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
Thomas Jr. also failed to become a surpriser, playing 6 minutes in the second quarter, shooting 1 of 4 with only 3 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist, and then did not play again. In the end, the Atlanta Hawks won 132-103 at home to the Charlotte Hornets, and the next game will travel to Cleveland to challenge the Cavaliers for the final playoff spot in the East.
Trade Westbrook to impact the playoffs
After losing the game, Hornets owner George left the game in frustration, obviously unhappy with the result. This season's Hornets, originally had a great chance to become the dark horse of the East, but now, two consecutive seasons, lost in the playoffs, this Hornets is still a little distance from the playoffs, how to make up for it? Prior to this, no US media said that the Hornets could use Hayward and Oubre to exchange Russell Westbrook from the Lakers, which was enough to help the team to the ranks of the playoffs.
I have to say that this transaction is indeed feasible. George likes Westbrook, the Hornets need the playoffs, and when Westbrook arrives, it does bring the team closer to the playoffs, and as for the championship, it's not something the Hornets need to consider at the moment. For the Lakers, they can get rid of Westbrook, what else can they ask for? Hayward was able to provide enough firepower support to open up space, and was a good hand in the chaos of Oubre. The Lakers' front line is too old, Andubre can inject enough vitality into this team, why not enjoy it?