Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer never met Dean Smith but he was none the less influenced by the legendary University of North Carolina coach. Smith died Sunday at the age of 83.
“I never had that opportunity but (Spurs’ coach Gregg Popovich) spoke often and very highly of coach Smith,” Budenholzer said. “Pop spent considerable time with him. He took a sabbatical from Pamona (College) and spent one semester at North Carolina and one semester at Kansas. A lot of stories, a lot of respect, a lot of learning. I know everybody will miss him. He had a lot of impact, even with (those) my age even though I never got a chance to have a relationship with him.”
Z-Bo returns
The Grizzlies were at full strength for their matchup against the Hawks Sunday.
Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph missed the Hawks’ 96-86 victory in Atlanta on Jan. 7 with a knee injury.
The presence of Randolph presents a challenge inside for the Hawks. The 6-foot-9, 260 pounder averaged 16.9 points and 12.0 rebounds heading into the game. His rebound total was sixth in the NBA.
“They’re a team that can really hurt you in the paint and dominate the paint,” Budenholzer said. “Hopefully we can find a way to limit their opportunities there and not let them get loose on the perimeter at the same time.”
Muscala make one-game D-League stint
Hawks center Mike Muscala had 12 points and eight rebounds in an NBA Development League game for Fort Wayne Saturday night. The Hawks re-called Muscala from the one-game assignment Sunday and he re-joined the Hawks for their game against the Grizzlies in Memphis.
Muscala was 6 of 12 from the field and had three assists, two blocks and a steal while starting at forward in Fort Wayne’s 100-95 win over Iowa. He played 33 minutes.
Muscala has played five D-League games in four assignments this season and his averaging 14.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 blocks in 29.8 minutes. For the Hawks, Muscala is averaging 3.9 points and 2.1 rebounds in 17 games.
Payne active
Muscala, after returning from his D-League assignment, was inactive against the Grizzles. The move meant Adreian Payne was active. Thabo Sefolosha, who missed his fifth game with a right calf strain, was also inactive.
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