Game Preview
The San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks enter Thursday night's matchup on contrasting recent stretches of play. While the Spurs have struggled to a 2-3 record over their last five games, the Hawks have soared to a 3-2 mark, riding the momentum of a 7-3 run across their previous 10 contests.
Atlanta's recent surge is fueled by an offensive outburst, averaging nearly 120 points over their last 10 games while shooting an impressive 46.8 percent from the field. Their ball movement has been crisp, dishing out 31.5 assists per game, a shade above their season average. The Hawks have also tightened up defensively, limiting opponents to just 115.7 points during this stretch.
Conversely, the Spurs have hit a rough patch offensively. Over their last five games, they're averaging just 113.6 points on 45.4 percent shooting, well below their season marks of 110.9 points and 45.6 percent. Their defensive struggles have compounded matters, surrendering 123.4 points per contest while allowing opponents to grab 45.8 rebounds per game.
Despite their recent woes, the Spurs have managed to hover around .500 on the season, thanks in part to a 50 percent mark from three-point range. However, they'll need to rediscover their offensive rhythm and tighten up on the defensive glass to slow down the surging Hawks, who are clicking on both ends of the floor.