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Five Reasons The Atlanta Hawks Shouldn’t Lose Hope

By Ti Windisch

May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) reacts after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) reacts after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kent Bazemore (24) dunks against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the third quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kent Bazemore (24) dunks against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the third quarter of game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kent Bazemore Stepped Up Big-Time in Carroll’s Absence

Kent Bazemore is probably the biggest bright spot out of that depressing Game 1 for Atlanta. He played like an absolute beast after Carroll went down, including throwing down a massive dunk and recording a huge block that helped to at least keep the game reasonably close until the end.

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In his regular season career, Bazemore averages 13.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per 36 minutes. In just 16 minutes on Wednesday, he put up 10 points, four rebounds and a block.

If Bazemore can keep up that kind of increased production he can make the most of his opportunity during these playoffs and more importantly, help Atlanta to come back and overcome Cleveland in these Conference Finals.

Injuries happen; the only way to overcome them is to embrace a next man up mentality. Right now, Bazemore is the next man for the Hawks. Maybe he can even crack the starting lineup at shooting guard for Game 2 with Kyle Korver scooted over to small forward. It’ll be interesting to see how Mike Budenholzer adjusts his starting five for the rest of the series.

Speaking of coaching, and Budenholzer to be specific, the 2015 NBA Coach of the Year is the next reason there is still hope for Atlanta this season.

Next: Who Better To Handle This Than Bud?

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