Five things we learned about the Hawks on Wednesday:
1. The Hawks held a video session and practice following Tuesday's 131-120 loss to the Magic at home. Coach Mike Budenholzer and players still credited the Magic for a hot-shooting game but acknowledged defensive issues.
2. Kent Bazemore reports that his sore right knee came out of Tuesday's game and Wednesday's practice in good shape. However, it will continue to be monitored and there will be limitations.
3. Mike Scott scored 17 points for the Long Island Nets in an NBA Development League assignment game Wednesday afternoon.
4. Budenholzer pointed to turnovers as the biggest issue facing his team. The Hawks are third in the NBA in turnovers with an average of 16.9 per game. Only the 76ers (17.1) and the Nets (17.0) are worse.
“I think that’s been a problem for us from the very beginning and continues to be,” Budenholzer said.
5. Budenholzer said he sees continued improvement in Dwight Howard in the pick-and-roll game – specifically the half roll where he gets the ball immediately off the screen and has options to go to the basket or pass to outside shooters. He said getting Howard to see an expanded court is part of his early learning curve.
“That’s where he is learning and growing,” Budenholzer said. “Last night, he had the right idea, the right mindset. Now, it’s just taking it and executing it better. I’m actually encouraged. I think he’s seeing and thinking about the whole court. It’s a skill that is somewhat new. I think with time and repetition, he’s going to get better with it. It’s going to take some time.”
