After the Hawks learned they were locked into the No. 5 playoff seed, the team’s starters coasted while being outscored by a collective 215 points over the final four regular-season games.
If that raises questions about the Hawks’ ability to re-focus for its playoffs series against Orlando, the spirited play of little-used reserves in comeback bids against Miami and Charlotte might hint at some undiscovered depth.
“I hope so,” swingman Damien Wilkins said. “I don’t expect to get those type of minutes during the playoffs, but anything is possible. We will see. All of the guys who have been getting these minutes the last couple [of games] just want to play.”
Wilkins, forward Josh Powell, center Etan Thomas and rookie Pape Sy all made solid contributions in the final two games. Sy likely will be on the inactive list during the series, along with Magnum Rolle and either Powell or center Hilton Armstrong.
Coach Larry Drew’s rotation has fluctuated for much of the season, but he said three reserves would play regular minutes: guard Jamal Crawford, forward Marvin Williams and center Zaza Pachulia. He said Wilkins and guard Jeff Teague also could play roles.
Center Jason Collins, normally a reserve, will start as part of the “big” lineup. Thomas and either Armstrong or Powell would be available if the Hawks need more big men to defend Magic center Dwight Howard.
“If we can stay out of a situation where we have to use all of our bigs, that would be ideal,” Drew said. “But if we do, we are going to have to throw guys in there not [just] to foul him, but defend him.”
Jacking jumpers
Much of the attention has focused on the Hawks’ plan to defend Howard. But the Hawks averaged only 83 points in four regular-season games against the Magic.
The inside presence of Howard, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, figures to amplify the Hawks’ tendency to settle for jump shots instead of going to the basket.
“I like the fact that with Dwight Howard in the back line, it will force Atlanta to shoot a lot of jump shots,” NBA TV analyst Kevin McHale said. “Watching the series last year in the second round, that really got into Atlanta’s head and they quit attacking, and Orlando swept them and looked good doing it.”
Injury report
Drew said all players will be available for Game 1. Collins (ankle), Josh Smith (knee), Al Horford (ankle) and Joe Johnson (thumb) have had nagging injuries recently.
Magic reserve guard J.J. Redick (abdominal) returned to practice Friday after missing the final 17 regular-season games. Redick told the Orlando Sentinel he’s “still under evaluation,” but hopes to play in Game 1.
About the Author
