The Atlanta Hawks had trouble defending some of the best players on the court in the last week .
Atlanta gave up 28 points to Harrison Barnes on a Sacramento Kings squad without De'Aaron Fox, let Jaylen Brown score 26 points and then it was gashed for 15 three-pointers by the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook combined for 47 points in that game.
The Hawks still came out on top on Sunday, but their high three-point concession to Malik Monk, who had 33 points and eight three-point makes, is one of may factors that lead to my favorite play of the night.
Welcome back to the NBA 3-Point Play, Fred VanVleet.
Monday NBA 3-Point Play
Overall Record: 29-31
Fred VanVleet Over 21.5 Points
All of the factors listed above about the Hawks' recent defensive struggles point me in Fred VanVleet's direction.
The Toronto Raptors star has been hovering around the 22-point mark over the last six games. He has 18 or more points in five of his last six trips to the hardwood.
VanVleet knocked down at least three three-pointers during the last five games and he could thrive cutting to the lane on Monday against Atlanta's fifth-worst two-point defense.
Atlanta was unable to stop the top scorers it faced last week and you have to think it will be a bit tired on the second leg of a back-to-back after gutting out the win over the Lakers.
Lu Dort Over 2.5 Threes
Oklahoma City will have a different offensive look over the next few weeks with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out injured.
Lu Dort should see an increase in scoring production, and with that, comes an uptick in three-point shooting.
Dort knocked down three shots from deep in three of his last five games and he faces the league's worst defense against the three-point shot in the Portland Trail Blazers.
Dort has the potential to have one of the best nights of his season if he catches fire from deep early on.
Klay Thompson Over 2.5 Threes
Golden State needs a strong three quarters to rest bodies for the second leg of its back-to-back in San Antonio on Tuesday.
Klay Thompson attempted 17 three-point shots in his last two games and he is facing a Houston Rockets defense that gives up the most points per game in the NBA.
Thompson is averaging 2.6 three-point makes on 7.2 three-point attempts since his return on January 9.
Thompson should get off plenty of shots in the first half against the Rockets and it would not be surprising if he and Steph Curry go off to finish off the blowout win before the fourth quarter.