Three takeaways from the Atlanta Hawks’ 103-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls

If you could sum up the Hawks’ 2024 Summer League in one word, it would be “almost.”

Their 103-99 overtime loss to Chicago is just the latest in a string of close losses for Atlanta. In their four Summer League games, they have lost by a combined 14 points. This game against the Bulls was another one where they started slow, got into the game in the second quarter, had a fantastic third quarter and slowed down in the deciding moments. It was probably the best fourth-quarter performance the Hawks have had in Las Vegas so far, but their execution in overtime was lacking.

As they head into today’s Summer League finale against the Knicks, here are three things to take away from their loss to the Bulls:

Keaton Wallace expected to play some minutes in the regular season

Wallace had already secured his spot on the team for the foreseeable future with a two-way contract, but he continued to impress against Chicago. He was clearly Atlanta’s best offensive player, putting up 22 points, seven assists and seven rebounds while hitting four three-pointers and shooting 67 percent from the field. It wasn’t his best game on defense, but he’s generally been a solid defender throughout Summer League. I’m interested to see if he can be a rotation guard for a few games at the NBA level and it won’t cost the Hawks much to figure it out. It’s worth noting that he turned over six turnovers, which is a bit concerning.

Wallace can use his time in College Park to get consistent minutes and cut down on his turnovers. He is what he is as a scorer, but gets more defensive reps on the ball and more opportunities to be the primary decision maker in an offense.

Hawks’ perimeter defense isn’t as bad as advertised

The Bulls game wasn’t a great game for the Bulls’ perimeter defense. Julian Phillips, Andrew Funk and DJ Steward all made multiple three-pointers, but Phillips and Steward were especially lethal from three-point range. Phillips made four three-pointers while Steward made eight, which powered Chicago’s offense.

However, I think it’s important to remember that the Hawks played this game without two of their best defenders, Zaccharie Risacher. Risacher has had his ups and downs as a scorer, but his defense has remained generally good throughout his two Summer League games. His size, length, and instincts would have been very useful against Chicago.

The Hawks also deserve credit for largely limiting Matas Buzelis. Despite coming off the bench and having a reduced workload, the Bulls’ first-round pick shot 4-of-17 with five turnovers. He made two crucial free throws and collected five steals, but it was an otherwise quiet night for a player who has looked very good throughout his time in Las Vegas.

Jordan Bowden has earned some playing time

After missing all of his shots in 29 minutes of play against the Lakers, the Hawks guard put on a good show against Chicago. In 20 minutes, he had 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals on 58% shooting and 40% from three-point range. His best moment came after he hit the decisive three-pointer that gave Atlanta the lead with 4.5 seconds left.

Bowden has shown to be an offensive spark as a backup and I expect him to play a similar role against the Knicks. It seems unlikely that Risacher will play against the Knicks, so his offensive contributions are going to be important once again.