Dennis Schroder had a point to prove.
Yes, makers of the video game NBA 2K, he can indeed dunk a basketball.
In a light moment at the Hawks’ media day in September, the 6-foot-1 Schroder was asked if there was anything he wanted to accomplish in his second season. The point guard smiled and told several reporters he wanted to dunk because his persona on the video game could not.
An update is in order.
Schroder began a current three-game stretch of impressive play with a highlight-reel dunk as the Spurs’ Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard tried in vain to stop him Wednesday. Schroder has earned more minutes at the backup spot behind Jeff Teague in each of the past three games.
“I was tired of playing 2K and I couldn’t dunk,” Schroder said after career-highs in points steals in a 103-96 win over the Knicks Saturday night. “I had to prove it. I think it was a good point. I think it changed my whole confidence level right now.”
Against the Knicks, Schroder had 11 points, one rebound, two assists, five steals and one turnover in 20 minutes.
The Hawks (2-3) and Schroder will conclude a back-to-back with the Knicks Monday in New York.
In the past three games, including Friday against the Hornets, Schroder has averaged 10.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 0.3 turnovers in 14.1 minutes. Through training camp and the first two regular-season games, most of the Hawks’ backup point guard minutes went to Shelvin Mack. Those minutes are now going to Schroder.
“All of us are gaining a lot of confidence and comfort with Dennis,” coach Mike Budenholzer said Saturday. “He’s come in and had a big impact in the San Antonio game. He really played well again (Friday) and (Saturday). That is the challenge for a young player to put back to back good games, to continue to be consistent. I think his teammates are feeling good about him. I’m feeling good about him.”
Budenholzer has not said whether Mack or Schroder are the backup point guard, even at points when both seemed to have secured the spot. He says only that he is fortunate to have three capable point guards. Certainly, the rotation could change from game to game. However, the Hawks are seeing glimpses of the potential they saw when the drafted a German teenager last year in the first round.
The speedy Schroder committed far too many turnovers last season. In one game, he played just five seconds. That was how long it took him to enter and lose control of the ball. He has been much more protective of the ball this season. He has just four assists and seven steals against just one turnover.
“Last year, I was 19, came fresh from Germany,” Schroder said. “I think it’s the experience of how the NBA works. Sometimes, you get turnovers when you attack the basket but how I did the turnovers last year is the difference this year. I think I improved a lot and I try to keep improving.”
Schroder benefitted for playing for the German national team this summer and spending much of the rest of the offseason in Atlanta working on his game. He has shown improvement in his outside shot.
“He’s playing well right now,” Teague said. “He’s just being aggressive. That’s all I tell him is just push the ball and attack. That’s what he’s doing right now.”
Budenholzer is quick to mention that Schroder is having a significant impact on defensive. The offense is nice, but Schroder will first be counted on to harass the opposition and use his quickness to force turnovers.
“I think I’ve got the ability to go to the basketball all the time,” Schroder said. “After the pick-and-roll, I try to go to the basket and find the open guy. If they are not coming out, I try to score or find my teammates for the open shot. I think I can do it more and more.
“My confidence, as I’ve told you, is through the roof. Coach trusts me now. I try to do everything on defense first and try to help the team get the energy going and win games.”
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