The Atlanta Hawks lost their 2-0 series lead over Boston after Celtics coach Brad Stevens made some changes to his starting lineup. What can the Hawks do to counter?
In Game 3, Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens took Jared Sullinger out of the starting lineup and inserted Jonas Jerebko at power forward and Evan Turner at shooting guard. These subtle changes, combined with a raucous crowd at the TD Garden, propelled the Celtics to two consecutive victories, tying up the series.
Now as Game 5 approaches, the Atlanta Hawks must make changes of their own in order to take control of this series once again. Being within the friendly confines of Philips Arena helps (Atlanta was 27-14 on their home court this season); but some alterations to the rotation may pay dividends for the Hawks.
The most notable absence from the Hawks’ rotation throughout this series has been Kris Humphries. Acquired following the trade deadline after a buyout from the Phoenix Suns. Humphries size and physicality helped Atlanta to play well down the stretch, giving them a presence down low that they lacked for most of the regular season.
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Though Humphries’s presence greatly benefitted the Atlanta Hawks over the final quarter of the regular season, he has been noticeably absent from the Hawks’ rotation in this first-round series — actually not logging a single minute of court time. Coach Mike Budenholzer has decided instead to afford the little used Mike Muscala minutes in the front court.
Muscala was relegated to the end of the Hawks’ bench for much of the season, averaging only three points and two rebounds in 60 games this season. While I’m a fan of Muscala and his ability to stretch the floor, he doesn’t possess the size (even at 6’11”) or the physicality to be an effective rim protector or low post scorer.
I can only assume that the lack of playing time from Humphries is that Budenholzer wants to go smaller, using the quickness of Muscala, Mike Scott, Al Horford and Paul Millsap to counteract the Celtics’ small-ball lineup. Regardless, I believe that Game 5 is the perfect time for Humphries to be utilized to give the Hawks a bigger presence in the front court.
Another player that should receive more court time is Tim Hardaway Jr. Aside from being one of the few Hawks players capable of making their own shot, the Hawks should use Hardaway more just because of his shooting ability.
Aside from Kyle Korver, Tim Hardaway Jr. is one of the best three-point shooters on the Hawks. With Boston countering Atlanta with improved shooting from outside, Budenholzer should give Hardaway more minutes in Tuesday’s pivotal game.
Now, Hardaway did strain his hamstring in the final game of the season; but according to the Hawks, he is completely healthy, though there could be some lingering injury concerns that are preventing him from playing significant minutes.
The biggest problem for the Hawks over the course of the last two games have been how the Celtics have been able to capitalize on Hawks turnovers; and the biggest offender in this category is Dennis Schroder. Schroder finished Game 4 with a plus/minus of minus-20, while shooting 3-of-13 in 20 minutes of court time.
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After scoring 20 points in a Game 3 loss, it was clear that the Boston crowd got to Schroder, who was booed every time he touched the ball following an altercation with Isaiah Thomas Friday night. Budenholzer decided to give Schroder important minutes at the end of Game 4, resulting in a turnover that allowed the Celtics to score once again.
Now I’m not saying Schroder shouldn’t play. I just think that if your reserve point guard has not been shooting well and has been careless with the ball, he shouldn’t play vital minutes late in the fourth quarter. Go with your All-Star starter in Jeff Teague. It’s that simple.
Schroder’s athleticism and ability to get the basket are great; but when he is not performing at the same caliber as your starting point guard, he can become an offensive liability. If that happens in Game 5, we may also see a few minutes sent Kirk Hinrich‘s way.
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If the Hawks make a couple of adjustments, they will give themselves a better chance for a victory on Tuesday night against a scrappy and tenacious Boston squad. Stevens made adjustments. Now it’s Bud’s turn.