Los Angeles Lakers: 3 keys to beating the Atlanta Hawks in game 27

Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Keys to beating the Atlanta Hawks in Game 27

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks is blocked at the basket by Danny Green #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

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Jabari Parker #5 of the Atlanta Hawks rebounds the ball against JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

2.) Protect the paint

The Hawks don’t do a lot of things very well, but what they do excel in is getting to the paint. The team currently ranks 5th in shot attempts at the rim and 11th in field goal percentage. It all starts with Trae Young, whose shooting and dribble penetration are huge factors in the Hawks being successful in the paint.

Players like Jabari Parker, Alex Len, and De’Andre Bembry all get a majority of their shots from the paint, and they’re generally being set up to do so by Young. Protecting the paint hasn’t exactly been a problem for the Lakers so far this season, as the team currently has the 3rd best defense in the league and are 6th in opponent field goal percentage in shots at the rim.

They have the guards to stay in front of Young and limit his ability to bomb from three, and they have the rim protection to limit his dribble penetration. Anthony Davis has been trucking along for his DPOY campaign, averaging 2.6 blocks per game, and shouldn’t have any problems maintaining that pace against the Hawks.

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