Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer was non-committal on Wednesday as to what role Kris Humphries would have in the playoff series against the Cavaliers prior to Game 2.
Humphries did not play in Game 1 on Monday, the sixth time in seven playoff games that the center and late-season acquisition had not gotten on the court. Humphries’ one playoff appearance came in the first round in a Game 5 blow out of the Celtics when he played the final eight minutes after the Hawks took a 29-point lead.
Budenholzer indicated before the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Cavaliers that Humphries might have an increased role. The Cavaliers, unlike the Celtics, have the roster that can play bigger players and that has held a significant rebounding edge over the Hawks in past games.
Here is what Budenholzer said Wednesday morning about Humphries not playing in Game 1: “I think Paul (Millsap) and Al (Horford’s) minutes are up a little bit. We played them the whole fourth quarter (in Game 1). (Mike Muscala) is playing well. I think Kris will help us at some point. I’m just not sure when or where. I think on the boards we held our own. We even won the boards. He’s ready. It’s nice to have him in this series.”
The Hawks did outrebound the Cavaliers 48-44, including 15-10 on the offensive glass, in Game 1. The Cavaliers did get two late offensive rebounds as part of their decisive run in the final minutes of the 104-93 victory.
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