Atlanta power forward John Collins talks on coming back from illness and depleted Hawks team.

Against the San Antonio Spurs, big man John Collins joined the starting line up after being out for three games with flu-like symptoms.

The Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce put Collins on a restricted 25 minute playing time. Even though his time was limited, he posted a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.  Because of Collins limited playing time and Atlanta’s center Dewanyne Dedmon being out with a bruised right knee,   San Antonio’s LaMarcus Aldridge was able to go to work with ease.

Aldrige put up 32 points on 11 of 16 shooting from the field. Collins said that this not the first time he has seen the 12-year vet be that effective at scoring.

“Yeah, I figured that out last year playing against him,” Collins said. “That guy can really go to work and get buckets in a lot of ways in that mid-post area.”

Despite being low on bigs and the Hawks rookie sensation Trae Young having a bad shooting night, the Hawks made the game somewhat close, losing 111-104.

Video: Fanatics View