Soaring Down South
Fansided

Atlanta Hawks: Dennis Schroder’s Top 5 Games Of 2016-17

By Xavier Cooper

Jan 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) dribbles the ball around New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Hawks won 108-107. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) dribbles the ball around New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Hawks won 108-107. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

NBA critics and fans were almost certain that the Atlanta Hawks would take a step back with the departure of Jeff Teague and Al Horford. But Dennis Schroder has proven he has what it takes to lead the Hawks back into the playoffs, even after losing two former All-Stars. Here’s a look at Schroder’s best performances so far this season.

1.) On December 9th, Dennis Schroder scored his career-high 33 points to help Atlanta beat the Milwaukee Bucks 114-110. This was an important game for the Hawks to gain some confidence, after only winning one game out of their previous eight. Schroder finished the game with 33 points shooting 63.2 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from long range. He also went 5 for 5 on free-throws. Schroder even got in a rare block against the Bucks. Schroder was very essential to the Hawks grabbing this win with a plus/minus rating of of plus 11.

2.) Schroder’s career-high 15 assists accompanied  23 points against the Knicks was his best overall performance this season. It helped the Hawks win 142-139 in four overtimes. Despite shooting 36 percent from the field, Schroder scored when it mattered. This game went into a 4th overtime thanks to Schroder’s strong drive to the rim tying the game up 130-130. He ended the game with a plus/minus rating of plus 5. The Hawks and Knicks have had some interesting games this season. Which is why this won’t be the only game between the two we’ll mention.

3.) Another one of Schroder’s great performances came on Jan. 16, once again against the Knicks. Schroder had 28 points and only two turnovers. But that’s not the best part. Schroder knocked down a game-winning three-pointer to give the Hawks a close win over the Knicks 108-107. Dennis shot 81.3 percent from the field. I guess you can say Dennis Schroder plays his best against the Knicks. He had 27 points in their first match-up against the Knicks, 28 points with a game-winner in the second, and 23 points and 15 assists in the third.

4.) The one game that all Hawks fans were looking forward to this season was the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Hawks have had to deal with losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers the last two years in the playoffs. So when Dennis helped the Hawks beat the Cavaliers 110-106, the fans had to feel optimistic about the season. Schroder scored 28 points and had six assists while shooting 3 for 6 from beyond the arc. Kyrie Irving is not an easy player to go up against, but Schroder found a way to put his mark on the game. It’s always a good day in Atlanta when they can get a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Oh, and did I mention, it was the first Cleveland loss of the season. They play the Cavaliers again on March 3rd.

5.) On December 19th, Dennis Schroder went head-to-head with the walking triple-double himself, Russell Westbrook. Schroder put up 31 points, eight assists, and five rebounds against a guy that’s a top two candidate in the MVP race. This was a big win because the Hawks lost to Oklahoma City earlier that month.

Next: Assessing The Hawks At The All-Star Break

Schroder also went 10 for 10 from the free throw line, helping the Hawks defeat OKC 110-108. Dennis Schroder has had some great performances against great point guards. Schroder’s incredible response to adversity could come in handy in the postseason.

Home/Hawks News