Dynamic Hawks point-guards look to dominate playoffs

Remember last season when the Atlanta Hawks were the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final seed? Remember how they surprisingly gave the Indiana Pacers quite a fight in the first round?

So do I.

Part of what made Atlanta’s surprising success so appealing was the play of point-guard Jeff Teague. The hashtag #PlayoffTeague was born and basketball internet rejoiced. Teague was marveled at by a world that had been otherwise oblivious to his existence. It was a highlight of Atlanta sports last year, one that may continue this season.

Although the Hawks are entering the Eastern Conference playoffs under very different circumstances this year compared to last (number one seed this season), we could all still use some of Playoff Teague this time around.

Not to be outdone is Teague’s backup Dennis Schröder — Schröder has elevated his play this season (his second) beyond the expectations of most, giving Atlanta the luxury of having relentless attacks on the rim, as well as expert passing on the court for an entire game.

While the Hawks have many offensive weapons, the point guard tandem might prove as valuable as any if the Hawks are to make a deep playoff run.

Like I stated before, Jeff Teague is the show-stopper for Atlanta. Averaging 15.9 points and 7 assists per-game, all while shooting an efficient 46 percent from the field, as well as a respectable 34.3 percent from three-point range.

While his three-point shot has improved tremendously since coming into the NBA, Teague’s strength still lies in his speed and proficiency when handling the ball. With the uncanny ability to beat one-on-one defenders off the dribble, Teague has shown himself to be a perfect fit in coach Mike Budenholzer’s offense.

Luckily for Teague (and everyone else on the team) the roster’s ability to shoot the three-point shot takes outside pressure off of everyone. This is exceptionally valuable for Teague. Since the whole of the starting lineup is very capable of shooting, Teague’s weapons are utilized to their maximum potential. Should Teague take his defender off the dribble to the rim, his speed can have him at the bucket laying it in before a puzzled defense can collapse inside. On the flip side, if the defense reacts to Teague’s rush to the basket, he can pass the ball back out to a wide open shooter.

Although isolation isn’t Atlanta’s game most nights, the ability to adapt (and succeed with adaptation) can pay unparalleled dividends in the playoffs.

Teague’s importance isn’t diminished when the ball-movement is at maximum efficiency either though. His passes are quick and thought out, making him an offensive threat, even when operating within the bounds of the system. The pick-and-roll is also kind to Teague, as his quick thinking (and movement) make him a nightmare to guard when coming off of a screen.

Most of what makes Teague a good point-guard is also what makes Dennis Schröder a good point-guard. Despite only being in his second season, Schroder has shown monumental improvement; both from last year to this and within this season.

Schroder’s game was fairly one-dimensional (much like Teague’s once was). He was competent off the pick-and-roll and decent taking on defenders one-on-one. His speed and ball handling, like Teague, got him to the NBA.

This season Schroder has shown himself to be a much-improved shooter, as he shot 42.7 percent from the field this season, compared to 38.3 percent last year in his rookie campaign. His three-point shooting percentage has also improved, as he’s shooting 35.1 percent from behind the line this season, a clear upgrade over the 23.8 percent from long-distance we saw him post last year.

While Schroder’s sample-size from last year wasn’t all that substantial, the improvement is undeniable.

With their collective improvement when shooting the ball, as well as either’s ability to guard both back-court positions, playing both of these dynamic point-guards at the same time has added a new dimension to Atlanta’s offense — one that Mike Budneholzer should take advantage of whenever possible.

While putting either Schroder or Teague on a tall, athletic shooter at the two-guard spot might not be such a good idea, if opponents try to get small to keep pace with Atlanta, the Hawks can simply get even smaller.

While many would argue that the Hawks are already a bit too small, having the ability to utilize both of their speedy guards has it’s advantages.

Look for the Hawks to throw many different looks at opposing defenses this post-season, and don’t be surprised if Schroder and Teague playing together is one of those looks.

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