The Hawks came into the game on fire in State Farm Arena. They won five of their last six at home, averaging over 127 points per game. That stretch is impressive, but there was nothing impressive about the start of this game.
Atlanta shot 7/27 from the field, 1/11 from three in the first period, scoring just two in the final 3:19. John Collins hit back-to-back threes to start the second quarter to get things turned around. While the Hawks were able to improve offensively, their defense seemed to get worst somehow. Even without Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis the Mavs had 50 points on the board eight minutes before the half.