Atlanta Hawks: 3 Takeaways from a Narrow Loss to the Lakers

Bembry Continues Hot Streak

Atlanta’s MVP off the bench tonight, as he has been much of this season. was Deandre Bembry. After two injury-plagued seasons, fans weren’t sure what to make of Bembry coming into the year, and he’s quickly established himself as one of the Hawks’ best bench players — and maybe best players in general.

He’s done this by playing a consistently high-energy, usually high-quality brand of ball that makes for a great spark plug off the bench. Tonight he only scored 9, but he added 5 rebounds and 2 assists while playing solid defense as well.

If he we were doing team awards for the first month or so of the season, Bembry would be in line for an easy sixth man trophy as well as probably most improved for the Hawks. The former first round pick is also one of the most fun players on the team to watch, which his high-flying, above the rim style.

Bembry is a true spark plug off the bench who can play three positions, a real value in any system. He’ll try to keep it going and lay off the fouls a bit to improve even further.