Hawks count on Antic for more than 3-pointers

There is more to Pero Antic than his 3-point shot.

The Hawks center struggled on offense in the first six games of the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series against the Pacers. Yet Antic remained in the starting lineup for the finale Saturday. It was because of all the other things that Antic brings to the table, Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said.

“I would say, if anything, we’ll probably use Pero more,” Budenholzer said before Game 7. “I think that if you look at a lot of different things and you look at the subtleties of the game, all the different things that Pero is bringing to our team, I think there is way too much focus. Pero would like to make a few shots. You just look at a lot of different things, and if you look at the game closely, look at the numbers closely, Pero is having a really positive impact on the game and on the series.”

Antic averaged 7.0 points and 4.2 rebounds, with 1.1 3-pointers on 3.4 attempts per game in 18.5 minutes during the regular season. His field-goal percentage was .418. During six playoff games, he averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game in 24.8 minutes. He made only 3 of 22 3-pointers and none since Game 2. His field-goal percentage was .189.

When asked before Game 6 if Antic’s right ankle was still an issue, Budenholzer said, “I think Pero is as healthy as he is going to be.” Antic’s ankle has been sore since returning from a 17-game absence with a stress fracture.

“Defensively he has a very good instinct or basketball IQ and sees rotations and sees things happening in a good way,” Budenholzer said. “He makes plays and presents length and size at the rim, in the paint, rebounding. He can get a hit. He can hold his position and still get rebounds. Sometimes he might not get the rebound, but he’ll count.”

Antic is a plus-27 for the series. His only minus-game was Game 2, when the Hawks were beaten handily.