Atlanta Hawks: 5 Takeaways from 124-123 Win vs. Hornets

Baze to the Bench Paid Immediate Dividends

One of the main storylines of this game was the decision to move Kent Bazemore to the bench to help shake things up after a desultory performance against the Celtics, in which the team had no energy or seemingly any desire to play together as a unit.

Baze’s decision to actually come to the Hawks’ coaching staff and suggest that they move him to the bench was a masterstroke, as Hawks assistant Melvin Hunt outlined in a halftime interview with Fox Sports Southeast:

Baze responded in turn with one of his most impactful games of the season, as he made huge play after huge play down the stretch, including the game-winning bucket:

The decision by Baze to move to the bench might also serve as a precursor to a likely forthcoming trade for the longtime Atlanta Hawks shooting guard, as it shows a willingness to commit to winning basketball no matter what it takes – something that contending teams will be glad to see in any acquisition.