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Atlanta Hawks: Must Watch Games In 2016-17

By Colby Giacubeno

Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) looks for Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (not pictured) during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) looks for Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (not pictured) during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to a call during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to a call during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks/ San Antonio Spurs

Number of meetings: 2

Dates: November 28 (away), March 6 (home)

Ever since Mike Budenholzer arrived in Atlanta, the Hawks have been known to take on the playing style of the San Antonio Spurs. The reason for those accusations can be referred back to Budenholzer’s time on the sidelines as an assistant coach with the Spurs under Gregg Popovich.

Budenholzer was there for four championships in San Antonio and was often regarded as Popovich’s right-hand guy on the bench.

The offenses of the two teams mirror each other in that, there is a ton of off-ball movement and screens along with swift decision-making that usually leads in wide-open shots or lay ups. The Hawks haven’t been able to master the offense as of yet, but as Budenholzer heads into his fourth year as head coach, his philosophy has been implemented successfully and the success of the organization has been remarkable.

The Spurs defeated the Hawks in all four games last season. The teams will meet a total of two times in 2015-16 as the student in Budenholzers continues to try and dethrone his teacher. These games are always fun to watch considering it two of the best basketball minds in the league.

Next: Players To Add Before Training Camp

Next year could be the year that Budenholzer finally earns some bragging rights against his mentor.

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