The Hawks end round 2 of the playoffs with a dub!
In yet another upset this past weekend, the Atlanta Hawks bested the Philadelphia 76ers in game 7 at Philadelphia. The series between these two teams has been absolutely intense, and this game was no exception.
With not many “name brand” players and a young roster, the Hawks are surprising NBA fans left and right with their perseverance, bravery and overall talent. The Hawks are led by 22-year-old Trae Young, who has been one of the best team leaders all post-season. After silencing Knicks fans in the first game of that series, Young has gleefully been this year’s “playoff villain.” With his youthful and rambunctious energy, Young feasts off of adversity and crowd booing, making him the player you love to hate in all the best ways.
Another 22-year-old Hawk, Kevin Huerter, played excellently, bringing in nearly 30 points and hitting the final free throws to seal the 6ers’ fate. Another huge dagger came from Danilo Gallinari. After swatting the ball from Joel Embiid to Kevin Huerter, Gallinari nabbed Huerter’s long pass for a game sealing dunk.
End of Ben Simmons as a 76er?
Led by MVP runner-up Joel Embiid, the 76ers came into the post-season with high potential. In game 7, Embiid dropped 31 points and 11 rebounds, with Tobias Harris and Seth Curry pulling their weight as well. On the other hand, it’s point guard Ben Simmons that many find responsible for the 76ers demise.
For a fanbase like Philadelphia’s, you do not want to be identified because of loss. Unfortunately for Simmons, the fans will not let him off easily. In game 7, Simmons took only four shots and declined taking a crucial dunk. This is also the fourth game in a row in which Simmons didn’t attempt a shot in the fourth quarter. With this lack of confidence, its no surprise that coach Doc Rivers “doesn’t have an answer” to if Simmons could be the point guard on championship team.
After beating the first seed, do you think the Hawks can take the Milwaukee Bucks to make the national championship? Game 1 of the series is Wednesday, June 23rd!
Jason Heilbronner | Twitter: @JasonHeilbronn1