Must-watch Game 2: Atlanta Hawks, February 26th, at Chesapeake
Toward the end of the first half schedule the Thunder will get their first look at the retooled Atlanta Hawks who were one of the busiest teams in the offseason. Hawks executive Travis Schlenk nabbed Onyeka Okongwu in the draft; a talent projected to potentially have the skillset of Bam Adebayo.
Schlenk was also busy in free agency adding Rajon Rondo and benefitting from the perceived tampering by the Milwaukee Bucks with Bogdan Bogdanovic. The latter situation allowed the Hawks to swoop in and grab the sniper and resulted in the need for OKC to step in with a sign and trade to help facilitate moving Danilo Gallinari to his desired landing spot.
Last season the teams played just once with the Thunder coming out on top on a wild offensive showcase (140-111). Though Atlanta lost the match Trae Young had a masterful performance scoring 28 points and dishing 16 dimes. John Collins dropped 28 points along with six rebounds and rookie Cam Reddish added 20 points.
Seven Thunder players reached double-digit scoring in that match with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander filling up the stat sheet registering 24 points, three rebounds, six assists, a steal and three blocks. And while many of the players who reached double-figures are gone two Thunder youngsters had strong outings. Darius Bazley posted 11 points, five rebounds an assist and a block while Hamidou Diallo came just short of a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds along with an assist and two steals.
One Thunder player who feasted in that match was Danilo Gallinari. It was a typical all-around effort as he led the team with 25 points along with six rebounds, three assists, a steal and was deadly from deep dropping four of his six 3-point attempts. This time Gallo will be lining up on the opposite side of the hardwood. By the time this match occurs there may be fans allowed back in the Peake, but if not the Italian may have to wait until next season to get his ovation and tribute video.
The marquee matchup will be Trae Young versus Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (and potentially Lu Dort defending him). However, the more compelling matchup could find sophomore Darius Bazley matching up against his mentor.