Kent Bazemore isn’t surprised by his offensive output this season.
Neither are his teammates.
The Hawks new starting small forward – known for his defensive prowess - scored a career-high 25 points in a 114-99 victory over the Wizards Saturday night. In eight games this season, Bazemore is averaging 12.1 points. That number comes after he combined for just five points in the first two games of the season for the 7-1 Hawks.
“I wouldn’t say surprised,” Bazemore said following the victory. “A lot of the things I work on is offense. Defense is energy and effort. Obviously, you have to understand the dynamics of the defense you are in. …
“But it’s all about playing basketball. If you have an open shot, you take it. If (the defender) comes at you, you drive it. You find the open guys. Once you slow the game down and make it simple, it gets pretty easy from there.”
Bazemore was 10 of 15 from the field Saturday, also setting a career high for field goals. He made 4 of 7 3-pointers, tying his career-best for long-range makes. Bazemore ended a Hawks’ 15-4 fourth quarter run with six straight points, a three-point play and a 3-pointer. It was part of a 26-9 run to end the game.
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said Bazemore is finding where he shots will come from and is engaged in the flow of the offense.
“I think he is getting a lot of good rhythm shots,” Budenholzer said. “He’s getting opportunities with the bigs and Jeff (Teague) and Dennis (Schroder) attacking. We were creating a lot of pressure on the paint, a lot of pressure on the rim. He can do that too. The great thing, obviously he’s making shots, but he can attack and break a defense down and finish also. Obviously, he had a very good game.”
It was just over a year ago when Bazemore joined the Hawks as a free agent. He was coming off summer foot surgery and the team brought him along slowly. By the Hawks’ playoff run, Bazemore was an integral part of the success as he took advantage of several opportunities. When DeMarre Carroll left via free agency, perhaps the biggest opportunity of Bazemore’s young career presented itself. A starting job was available. Bazemore has seized it.
“I’m more encouraged than anything,” Al Horford said of Bazemore’s contributions. “Last year, he was hurt. The last summer he was injured when he came into the season. I know he’s not going to make excuses but he was dealing with that. This year, he had a healthy summer, he worked really hard and it’s paying off right now. He’s playing really well.”
Saturday night was the latest example.
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