Hawks doomed to repeat disappointing loss if key problem isn’t fixed

Writer Ian Kearney argues that the Atlanta Hawks risk repeating disappointing losses unless centers Onyeka Okongwu and Jock Landale improve their three-point shooting. Despite a 2-1 start to the season, Atlanta struggled with long-range efficiency during Saturday's single-digit loss to the Houston Rockets, shooting just 13 of 49 from beyond the arc. In that matchup, Okongwu went 0-for-5 and Landale finished 0-for-4 from deep.

Kearney notes that floor spacing from centers is crucial in the modern NBA, pointing to Karl-Anthony Towns' championship run with the Knicks. Through the early campaign, Okongwu is shooting just 15% from three-point range, while Landale has converted only 11% of his attempts. Kearney believes both big men must bounce back during Monday's rematch against Houston to prevent Atlanta from falling to 2-2.