Taurean Price was a bit understated when describing one of the highlights from the Hawks’ win over the Bucks Wednesday.
Early in the second quarter, the rookie drove to the right and threw down a vicious dunk that brought the Philips Arena crowd and his teammates to their feet. The Bucks’ Greg Monroe came over late for a passive block attempt and Miles Plumlee simply backed away.
“I just took what the defense gave me,” Prince said afterward.
One might say the basket was taken and not given.
Prince, the first-round draft pick, got his most extended playing time against the Bucks with Thabo Sefolosha sidelined with a mild left knee sprain. The wing figures to be back in the rotation Friday when the Hawks play at the Hornets as Sefolosha remains out.
Against the Bucks, Prince had eight points, five rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal and had a plus-eight rating in 19:08. His only other extended playing time came earlier this month against the Cavaliers when the Hawks were without Kyle Korver. He had two points, four rebounds and was a plus-eight in 8:37.
“In my opinion, the best teacher is experience,” Prince said. “For me to get out there and be able to be with the guys, we put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes that people don’t see. I’m just grateful for the opportunity. Whatever opportunity I get, I will continue to take advantage of it.”
Prince was part of a reserve group that built a 24-point lead against the Bucks and the Hawks held on for a victory.
“I thought Taurean was great,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said after the game. “The physicality he plays with, the aggressiveness he plays with, he really gave us a big boost at both ends of the court.”
Prince has appeared in six games. He is averaging 2.7 points and 1.7 rebounds in seven minutes. Prince will play sparingly this season and may even see some stints in the NBA Development League as he progresses in his development. Make no mistake, he belongs in the league.
“Most definitely,” Prince said. “I’ve felt that ever since my college days that I can play at this level. Not just be here but be a problem (for opponents). It will all work itself out. I believe in the process.”
