Hawks: John Collins continues to live up to his $125 million contract extension

The Hawks are now winners of five straight after taking down the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday night by a score of 113-101, bringing their record to .500 — 9-9. The Thunder were down their best player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but they found a way to keep themselves in the game despite being 13.5-point underdogs, going into the half down just six points.

However, the second half was all Atlanta. During the third quarter, the Hawks held the Thunder’s shooters in check, forcing them to shoot 15% (4-for-26) from the floor and 0% (0-for-6) from beyond the arc. Nate McMillan‘s squad outscored the Thunder 27-11 in the third quarter.

In the fourth, the Hawks held off a couple of Thunder runs, securing the win behind Trae Young‘s 30 points and six assists, Clint Capela‘s 10 points and 14 rebounds, and John Collins‘ well-rounded performance, who finished with 11 points, six rebounds, five assists, and five blocks. John The Baptist is playing some of the best basketball of his career after signing his $125 million contract extension.

John Collins has his first career game of 10-or-more points, 5-or-more rebounds, 5-or-more assists and 4-or more blocks.

— Hawks PR (@HawksPR) November 23, 2021

John Collins is the first Hawks player to finish with 10 points/5 rebounds/5 assists/5 blocks in a game since Paul Millsap on 2/13/17 at Portland.

— Hawks PR (@HawksPR) November 23, 2021

Collins is playing All-Star caliber basketball for the Hawks right now and deserves to be recognized. The longest-tenured player on the team does so many different things well; he’s invaluable. Collins’ high-energy style of playing results in a plethora of opportunities for the Hawks on both ends of the court. His leadership is helping develop the younger players, and these are just the indirect ways he helps this team.

On the court, he’s the most versatile player on the roster. He plays well offensively and defensively in all facets. He and Trae Young in the pick-and-roll might be the most effective offensive set in The Association. Don’t believe me? Collins now ranks first among Eastern Conference players in offensive rating. The Atlanta media is recognizing his value; now, will the national media notice?

John Collins signed a five-year, $125 million contract this offseason and took his game to another level this season. If he keeps playing like this, the Hawks continue winning, he should definitely be in the All-Star conversation.

— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) November 23, 2021