Atlanta Hawks: Bench Is Key To Success

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Apr 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Scott (32) tries to score against Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Pacers defeated the Hawks 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Scott and his emoji tattoos may be a new sensation to most basketball viewers across the U.S., but Scott has long been a favorite of Atlanta Hawks fans. Taken with a second-round pick, little was expected of Scott, but after some time in the D-League, the former Virginia Cavalier came back near the end of last season meaning business.

His progression has continued this year, and he has continued to improve under Mike Budenholzer. Although he may not be the best defender, Scott’s athleticism, willingness and range of shooting means he can get hot at any moment.

There’s no better illustration of this than Scott’s play in Game 5. Scott had 17 points in 23 minutes, including making his first five 3-pointers. A sign of Mike Budenholzer’s trust in Scott is the fact that his minutes have increased so far in the playoffs compared to the regular season.

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