Atlanta Hawks: 5 Best Players from Win vs. Timberwolves

Though Trae Young and John Collins should clearly receive the most attention in this game, the underrated contributions of three other players must be highlighted.

Kevin Huerter

First, Kevin Huerter’s stat line might not be eye-popping: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal, but he was a game-high +24 in on/off rating, meaning his all-around impact on the court was being rewarded with the Atlanta Hawks’ best play.

A consummate glue guy, Red Pepper’s impact in 30 minutes deserves a special mention.

DeAndre’ Bembry

However, the Atlanta Hawks best player in the overtime period was none other than DeAndre’ Bembry. After a stunted rookie year and an embattled sophomore campaign, Bembry has stormed back to produce the best basketball of his career this season.

This game, in particular, was a breath of fresh air from Bembry as he took on the team’s playmaking and ballhandling duties at times. Notably, Bembry scored 6 straight points in the overtime frame to give the Atlanta Hawks a 127-123 lead that they would never relinquish.

Bembry in the past might not have felt comfortable taking these difficult layups in traffic, but he certainly was cool and collected versus the Wolves – even finishing a couple of them left-handed!

Bembry added 14 tough rebounds and 3 crucial blocks in his 34 minutes of action, entailing an all-around showcase for his two-way skills.

Vince Carter

Lastly, the Ageless Wonder Vince Carter produced one of his best games of the season with 17 points (6/8 shooting) with 4 assists and 2 rebounds. His +21 on/off rating was second-highest on the team with Trae Young and his 26 minutes were fifth-highest on the team. Oh, and he also did this:

Vince, from one young-at-heart man to another, please come back for another season with the Atlanta Hawks next year.

The Atlanta Hawks play next on Friday against the Chicago Bulls at State Farm Arena at 7:30 p.m. EST.