Game 3: Atlanta Hawks Grades & Reactions vs. Brooklyn Nets
Apr 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts during second half against Brooklyn Nets in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. The Brooklyn Nets won 91-86. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Budenholzer, C
When the Nets picked up the defensive intensity in the beginning, he didn’t adjust enough to get more open looks for his shooters. And even when they were open, they couldn’t hit anything and missed somewhere in the area of seven or eight layups. Now those aren’t necessarily his fault but he needed to ignite more fire in his entire squad to keep producing.
They all seemed a step slow before picking it up in the third quarter. He’s playing with a tight leash and maybe loosening it up to see guys like Mack or Muscala get some minutes; in the latter’s case to help with rebounding more.
But what didn’t work out was not putting the starters back in when the disaster fourth quarter run was still manageable. When he did, it was too late and not having the best players out long enough might have cost them the game.
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