Atlanta Hawks Grades: The Starters
Jeff Teague, A-
30 Points| 9-23 FG | 9-9 FT | 6 REB | 7 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK |
I’ll say this: despite the tough shooting night, Jeff Teague became the reason the Hawks got back into this game. His play and mentality were traits of a leader. He slashed the lead with two straight layups, scored all of the overtime points, and went perfect from the foul line. His potential game-winning three missed by the smallest margin. With all the game’s stress, he committed no turnovers.
Kent Bazemore, B+
14 Points| 3-9 FG | 6-8 FT | 7 REB | 3 AST | 3 STL | 1 BLK |
He had some big shoes to fill taking over the starting position for Kyle Korver and had a nice showing. His three-point game was on point and his activity on the defensive end was typical Bazemore protocol. The clutch part of his game came on the free throw line where he’s had problems. He made four straight and banged in a three to give the Hawks a lead late in the fourth.
DeMarre Carroll, C+
10 Points| 4-12 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 2 AST | 2 STL | 1 BLK |
Give DeMarre a lot of credit for what he’s been tasked to do, even if it may seem like it’s all for naught. Guarding LeBron, primarily, is a load all in itself, but to do it while physically hindered is a testament to his drive. The wear of the game affected him as he was routinely subbed in an out for Bazemore when the Hawks decided to tote small lineups.
Paul Millsap, B+
22 Points| 5-11 FG | 11-11 FT | 9 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
Started off painfully slow, but then turned a switch in the second half where he scored 16 of his 22 points. Aggressive Millsap is a luxury when he’s on, making base camp at the charity stripe and he didn’t waste a single attempt. In the dregs of the game, he took the helm and faced up the King, getting above average results.
Al Horford, B
14 Points| 7-10 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |
We are only left to assume how Al Horford’s presence for the entire game would have affected the outcome if not for the early dismissal, hence the grade being lower than normal. What we can say assuredly is that he was far and away the Hawks best player in the first half, starting the game with a fiery intensity and eight quick buckets. How he starts Game 4 will be the most anticipated moment of any Hawks or Cavs player.
Next: The Bench