It’s been an “up and down” season for Shelvin Mack.
The Hawks guard is getting back in the regular rotation with Kyle Korver out with a broken nose. He has played well — even though playing shooting guard has been a major adjustment for Mack, a point guard by trade.
“I’m trying to get back in a groove,” Mack said Friday before the Hawks wrapped up a six-game trip against the Thunder.
Mack has lost minutes at the backup point guard position to Dennis Schroder. He also was slowed by a left calf strain that cost him nine games earlier this season.
In the past three games, Mack is averaging 14.0 points on 51.6 percent (16-of-31) from the field. He scored in double-figures and shot at least 50 percent in each.
“Even a game or two before Kyle broke his nose, you felt like Shelvin was getting back to have more of a rhythm and having a little more comfort,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He can play both the 1 (point guard) and the 2 (shooting guard), and he understands what we want. It’s good for him to get that rhythm back.”
Mack is working on the adjustments needed to play a different backcourt position.
“This year has been a lot of ups and downs,” Mack said. “I’m starting to play a lot more 2 instead of 1, so I’m trying to get used to that — trying to get my shot off against bigger guys, guard bigger guys. I’m starting to adjust to it and play a lot better.
“A 6-3 shooting guard in the NBA is kind of tough. I’m starting to figure it out and been able to make plays for myself and others.”
Mack is averaging 5.3 points, 2.5 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 14.2 minutes in 42 games this season. He played a season-high 35 minutes against the Lakers on Sunday, the game Korver was injured after playing only 10 minutes.
Perhaps the biggest adjustment has been the recovery from his strained calf. Mack acknowledges he still experiences soreness, especially after playing so much against the Lakers.
“I’m trying to get that underneath me, but it’s feeling good,” Mack said. “I have been playing a lot better.
“(First coming back), it’s just not as strong as it used to me. Like if you think you can make a play, in your mind you think you can do it but you don’t have the strength and the power to do it. It’s getting way better. I’m able to cut, push off and defend.”
Etc.: Kent Bazemore will start his third consecutive game at guard in place of Korver. … Thabo Sefolosha continues to progress from a strained right calf. He played more 3-on-3 following shootaround Friday. He may have like a return against his former team, but hasn't been ruled ready. "You would think he would be pushing to get back and play tonight so you know he needs some more time," Budenholzer said. … The Thunder will play without Kevin Durant (foot), Enes Kanter (ankle) and Serge Ibaka (knee). Thunder general manager Sam Presti held a news conference Friday to announce that Durant would be "removed from basketball activities." Durant continues to have issues with his foot after two surgeries. The reigning NBA MVP has been limited to 27 games this season.
About the Author
