With more minutes, Teague ‘more comfortable'

By Ken Sugiura

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rookie Jeff Teague is feeling like himself and it is showing on the court.

The rookie guard from Wake Forest played extended minutes for the third game in a row in Sunday's 23-point romp over New Jersey, playing his most effective basketball of the season. He credits practicing with the starters, which coach Mike Woodson has had him do with guard Mike Bibby resting a sprained ankle.

Before, Teague said, "I just wanted to make sure I didn't turn it over and do anything wrong. Now I think I'm more comfortable. I try to play my game and I think that's what they want me to do."

In the Hawks' past three games, Teague has played more than 20 minutes in each and has scored an aggregate 31 points to go with 18 assists against five turnovers. Against New Jersey, he showed off a little of everything with a 3-pointer, a floater for a basket and a steal that led to a vicious throwdown dunk in the third quarter.

"I haven't dunked in awhile," Teague said. "I tried to throw it down as hard as I could."

Said Woodson, "He's been playing pretty good for us. A lot of that is he's getting a few minutes and he's got some confidence going. That's what it's all about."

Etc.

Forwards Marvin Williams and Joe Smith did not dress Sunday. Smith missed his second game in a row after dislocating his thumb last Wednesday. He hopes to be ready for Wednesday's game against Memphis. Williams was sent home with an upset stomach. Mo Evans started in his place. Woodson said Williams  probably be ready to play by Wednesday. ... With Williams out, Woodson experimented with different lineups, at one point going with Evans, forward Zaza Pachulia and three guards – Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford and Teague.