Thabo Sefolosha is in.
Kyle Korver is out.
Mired in a slump that has included two straight historic losses, the Hawks changed their starting lineup with Sefolosha replacing Korver. The change began with Monday’s game against the Thunder.
According to coach Mike Budenholzer, the change will not be short term.
“I think change up the mix of the group a little bit,” Budenholzer said. “I think Kyle can be really effective off the bench. Put Thabo in there with the starters, the impact he has at both ends of the court, the way he’s played. Really, just changing up the mix. Obviously, we are hopeful it will be good for both (players) and us in the end.”
Sefolosha will join Kent Bazemore on the wing.
“It’s the coaches decision,” Sefolosha said. “I’ll do my best. I think it gives us a different look. We have to change something to try to get it going.”
The Hawks have lost six straight and nine of the past 10 games. Their last two losses have come by a combined 80 points. The Hawks’ 128-84 loss at the Raptors Saturday night was tied for the fifth-worst margin of defeat in franchise history, including stops in Milwaukee and St. Louis.
Sefolosha has appeared in 18 games this season, including three starts. He missed three games with a mild left knee sprain. He is averaging 7.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game and gives the Hawks a long, athletic win defender. He has a .491 field goal percentage (54 of 110) and a .321 3-point field goal percentage (9 of 28).
Korver has appeared in 19 games, all starts. He is averaging 8.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He has a .444 field goal percentage (59 of 133) and a .390 3-point field goal percentage (32 of 82).
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