Category: Atlanta Hawks Blog

Atlanta Hawks blog

Al Horford taking and making three-pointers this season

NBA centers usually can’t hit three-pointers. In practice, maybe. When unguarded and unrushed. But usually not in games. But power forward-sized Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford started tossing around one three-point attempt every other game in the 2013-14 season, and currently in 2015-16 is attempting about three per game, hitting 33.7% Here’s the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporting:

Al Horford taking and making three-pointers this season

The center hit a career-high five 3-pointers in the Hawks’ dramatic come-from-behind win over the Rockets, 121-115, Tuesday night. The Hawks overcame deficits of 19 points in the first half and 11 points in the fourth quarter for a victory several players labeled the best of the season.

Horford finished with a season-high 30 points, four off his career-best. He also had a season-high 14 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block…

Paul Millsap and Horford both said after the game that the Rockets were allowing the Hawks frontcourt players to shoot from long range – until it because apparent they could make them. The Hawks were 14 of 41 from 3-point range in the game as they set a franchise-high for attempts. The frontcourt players were a combined 12 of 23. The backcourt players were a combined 2 of 18.

Hawks shining with Kent Bazemore as starter

Here’s the Atlanta Journal Constitution reporting on the Hawks, who are 20-12, which is the second best record in the Eastern conference:

Hawks doing well with Kent Bazemore as starter

Kent Bazemore downplays his move back into the Hawks starting lineup.

However, the team’s record is hard to ignore.

The Hawks are 15-5 with Bazemore in the starting lineup, including their current six-game win streak. The run began one game after he was re-inserted on Dec. 14 in a home loss to the Heat even as Bazemore scored a season-high 28 points. The Hawks are 13-4 when Bazemore starts at small forward with the regular unit.

“Everything is starting to come together,” Bazemore said Saturday before the Hawks’ 117-98 win over the Knicks.

Hawks recall Tim Hardaway Jr, Edy Tavares and Lamar Patterson from D-League

The Atlanta Hawks have recalled three players from the NBA Development League – guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and center Edy Tavares from the Canton Charge, and guard/forward Lamar Patterson from the Austin Spurs – it was announced today by President of Basketball Operations/Head Coach Mike Budenholzer.

In D-League action this season, Hardaway Jr. has played in two games (both with Canton), averaging 17.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 32.7 minutes. Tavares has played in four contests (two with Canton and two with Austin), putting up 10.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 24.1 minutes (.667 FG%, .857 FT%). Patterson has appeared in three games (all with Austin), and has averaged 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists in 34.7 minutes.

Hawks assign Tim Hardaway Jr and Edy Tavares to D-League

Hawks assign Tim Hardaway Jr and Edy Tavares to D-League

The Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club has assigned guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and center Edy Tavares to the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League, pursuant to the flexible assignment rule, it was announced today by President of Basketball Operations/Head Coach Mike Budenholzer.

Hardaway Jr. has appeared in four games this season for the Hawks, and Tavares has played in three contests.

The Hawks are off to a 12-9 start this season. They’re led by Paul Millsap (18.4 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 3.6 apg), Jeff Teague (16.7 ppg, 6.4 apg), Al Horford (15.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Kent Bazemore (11.6 ppg).

Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer fined by NBA

Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer fined by NBA

Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer has been fined $25,000 for making incidental contact with a game official during live action, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

The incident, for which Budenholzer was assessed a technical foul and ejected, occurred with 6:27 remaining in the second quarter of Atlanta’s 109-97 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Quicken Loans Arena.

Hawks face Cavs on Saturday

Two of the best teams in the Eastern conference face off on Saturday. Here’s the Atlanta Journal Constitution reporting:

The Cavaliers (9-3) lead the Eastern Conference, with the Hawks (9-5) in third place early in the new season. The Cavaliers are not going anywhere, it would appear. LeBron James carried them last season, and he could very well do it again.

The Hawks will face the Cavaliers without one, and possibly two, starters. Small forward Kent Bazemore (right ankle sprain) has been ruled out. Point guard Jeff Teague (left ankle sprain) is questionable.

The Cavaliers are injured themselves. Point guard Kyrie Irving (fractured left kneecap), guard Iman Shumpert (injured forearm), center Timofey Mozgov (right shoulder sprain) and guard Mo Williams (right lower leg soreness) all will not play. With Mozgov out, Tristan Thompson may start at center. He gave the Hawks fits in the postseason.

“Taking care of the defensive boards is something that is going to be important,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said.

Wife of Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer recovering from medical emergency

From President of Basketball Operations/Head Coach Mike Budenholzer:

Wife of Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer recovering from medical emergency

“On Friday morning, I returned to Atlanta from Boston to be with my family due to an emergency medical situation involving my wife. We are encouraged by her progress to this point and remain cautiously optimistic.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the doctors and support staff at Emory for the outstanding care they have provided my wife. I would also like to thank my coaching staff, our players and the entire Hawks organization for their support and encouragement during this time. We are humbled by the outpouring of support from so many friends and members of the NBA family. It is greatly appreciated.

Finally, I’d like to thank the media and our fans for respecting our family’s continued request for privacy during this period.

I will return to the team as soon as possible and will be happy to answer any basketball-related questions at that time.”