Al Horford is working to break from a shooting slump that has slowed him since the All-Star break.
The Hawks All-Star center shot 54.4 percent (360 of 662) from the field and averaged 15.6 points prior to the break. In the 15 games since the league hiatus, Horford is shooting 46.5 percent (86 of 185) and averaging 12.8 points.
“Throughout a long season, you might have a little slump like this,” Horford told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Friday. “The thing is, my shots have been feeling good. For some reason, they just aren’t going. I’m going to stay aggressive and do what I do. I know everything will be fine.”
Horford has particularly struggled in the past seven games. In the recent span, he is shooting 40 percent (36 of 90) and averaging 10.7 points. That includes a 21-point game against the Lakers on March 15.
“I have to be able to bring different things to help our team win, especially on defense,” Horford said.
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said he has not spoken to Horford and is not overly concerned about the recent slump.
“He has the curse now that every time he shoots it I expect it to go in,” Budenholzer said. “He is getting good shots. He is getting good looks. It’s a big part of what we do and our offense. He’s not doing anything different. We’re not doing anything different.
“Defenses have always been conscious of trying to get to him and take (his outside shot) away.”
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