Atlanta Hawks Grades: The Starters
Jeff Teague, B
10 Points| 5-11 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK |
Looked very comfortable in the first half (majority of his time on court) and especially with Al Horford. Their synchronicity in the 1 to 5 pick and choose scheme was something the Bulls had trouble figuring out and three of his helpers were awarded to the Boss. Speed-wise, Rose couldn’t contain him and Teague egged his face with a nice strip steal while in mid jump shot.
Kyle Korver, B-
9 Points| 3-6 FG | 1-1 FT | 4 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |
Fans were hoping for that coveted 50-50-90 season, but it wasn’t to be, though Kyle would have been the first in line to tell you how little it mattered to him. Switched on Butler on a few assignments made it a little difficult, but he ran the court like a track star and connected on a couple of tough treys. He’ll lead the league for a second straight year in three-point percentage and is the first player in history to hold the top spot in three seasons.
DeMarre Carroll, C
10 Points| 4-14 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
Little shaky and hard to find a rhythm with his shot; looked frustrated on the break when swallowed by their transition D. But our glue guy had one of his best seasons in his career. Career highs in effective field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and points per game, and I haven’t even talked about his trademarked defensive effort. Guarding the most pivotal position, he’ll be hungry for the playoffs.
Paul Millsap, B
5 Points| 2-9 FG | 1-2 FT | 6 REB | 4 AST | 4 STL | 2 BLK |
Yes, he only scored 5 but just having Paul look like himself in a tune up game before the post season gave me so much joy. He routinely fills up every stat sheet so much that you don’t even realize how he gets his points. Just a mammoth on defense and picked off Gasol and Rose like a bandit. Here is something to munch on: Millsap finished top ten in steals in the league, crazy for a frontcourt player.
Al Horford, A
14 Points| 7-10 FG | 0-0 FT | 7 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK |
Horford only played one full quarter extremely great but that’s because he got rest for the vast majority of the game. With Teague at the hip, he dismantled the defense with his silky mid-range and wasn’t afraid to drive on the lengthy Gasol or Gibson. My personal favorite was a spin move away from a Mirotic/Gasol double in the 3rd quarter that led to an easy hook. The rock looks like a diamond when he has that much polish.
Next: The Bench