Roger's offensive space suddenly opened up.
Cassell and Ray Allen were uncertain about whether to double-team like in the first quarter.
Pierce and Hornacek both possess elite-level ability to capitalize on open shots, so letting them go is not a good choice.
Ultimately, they decided on a one-on-one, leaving Roger alone with "Big Dog" Robinson.
This is the greatest tactical role Hornacek can play.
His presence allows Randy Wilkens to fully utilize the semicircle tactic!
In previous years, the Hawks never had a shooter of Hornacek's caliber. To break the double-team, Roger had to rely on off-ball movement.
But this year, from the moment the team signed Hornacek, Lenny Wilkens had decided to incorporate the semicircle tactic into the system.
Pierce, Hornacek, and even Shawn Marion in the four position can shoot from afar, creating offensive space for Roger and fundamentally eliminating double-teams.
