Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks

Dec. 19, 2016: Five things learned about the Hawks

Atlanta Hawks’ Dennis Schroder (17) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks’ Matthew Dellavedova during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, in Milwaukee. The Hawks won 114-110. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Atlanta Hawks’ Dennis Schroder (17) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks’ Matthew Dellavedova during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, in Milwaukee. The Hawks won 114-110. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
By Chris Vivlamore
Dec 20, 2016

Five things we learned about the Hawks Monday:

1. Dwight Howard was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to back tightness. The starting center was "pretty limited" during morning shootaround.

2. While the starting lineup was in flux with the late news about Howard, Kent Bazemore returned to the starting lineup after not starting for five games.

3. Dennis Schroder, along with Howard, went straight to the practice court following Saturday's loss to the Magic. Schroder said Monday that extra session was to work on his individual game – specifically his floater. Schroder was angry that he missed a potential game-tying floater in the final minutes. "I didn't feel comfortable leaving yet," Schroder said.

4. Coach Mike Budenholzer was among the contingent who went to San Antonio as the Spurs retired Tim Duncan's No. 21 Sunday. "Absolutely amazing," Budenholzer said. "A very, very special night. They did a really nice job. He's a really nice guy and a pretty good player so it's easy to find people to talk about him."

5. Players will have a say in the NBA All-Star Game starters. The league announced Monday that all players and basketball media will join fans in selecting the starters.

About the Author

Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.

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