Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) has his shot blocked by Atlanta Hawks guard Kevin Huerter (3) during the second half of an NBA play-in basketball game Wednesday, April 13, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Hawks Cruise Pass Hornets To Keep Playoffs Hopes Alive

The Atlanta Hawks dominated the Charlotte Hornets the entire game.

The final score was 132-103.

https://twitter.com/ATLHawks/status/1514417609592164357?s=20&t=OVTsU6_BZ61xP6Hb97HM4g

The Hawks tamed the Hornets through their ball movement as the Hornets did not have an effective defense.

Additionally, a significant flaw in the Hornets’ defense was not playing man on man. The Hawks’ dribble penetration into the paint would result in the Hornets moving in on one man, leaving an open Hawks player having the opportunity to get a pass and make an open shot.

The Hornets’ lack of defense included not getting back on transition quick enough, which allowed the Hawks to have consistent open shots throughout the entire game.

Miles Bridges Ejection

A significant moment in the game was when Miles Bridges got ejected in the fourth quarter with 6:39 left in the game due to using profanity toward a referee. He challenged a layup, and the referee called a foul. Bridges intensely confronted the referee. This resulted in the referee giving him his first technical foul. Bridges then used profanity toward the referee, which gave Bridges a second technical foul. This resulted in automatic ejection that left Bridges extremely upset. As he was leaving the court, Bridges threw his mouthpiece toward a fan. The fan was a 16-year-old girl.

In the press conference, Bridges explained himself, “I was aiming for the guy that was screaming at me and it hit a little girl. So that’s definitely unacceptable on my part and I take full responsibility. That’s out of character for me. You’ve been around me; I don’t act like that or ever flash out like that,” Bridges said, “So that was definitely wrong, a lot of emotions and hopefully, I can get in contact with the young girl and sincerely apologize to her and do something nice for her, but that’s definitely on me.”

Bridges addressed the situation on Twitter as well.

https://twitter.com/MilesBridges/status/1514419477227708422?s=20&t=OVTsU6_BZ61xP6Hb97HM4g

What’s Next for the Hawks and Hornets?

The Hornets’ season has officially ended since this loss eliminated them from playoff contention.

The Hawks have to win their next game to clinch a spot in the playoffs. They will be traveling to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers tomorrow night at 7:30.

Category: Basketball, NBA, NBA Playoffs