Following Jeff Teague’s career-high 34-point performance — and game-winning shot in double overtime — Elton Brand had a message about the Hawks point guard.
“Can he get some All-Star votes now?” the veteran asked in the locker room following Thursday’s dramatic 127-125 win over the Cavaliers.
The NBA released the second round of All-Star balloting hours before the victory, one in which Teague also put up 14 assists, one shy of his career-high, and had three steals. Teague’s name is not among the top 10 in voting for the Eastern Conference backcourt players. Among the leaders are No. 3 Derrick Rose, likely out for the season after suffering a knee injury in November, and No. 6 Rajon Rondo, who hasn’t played in 11 months because of a torn ACL.
“It’s out of my control,” Teague said of the voting. “I just try to go out there and play hard, hopefully continue to get wins and help my team get better.”
With the performance against the Cavaliers, Teague became the first Hawks player to have at least 34 points and 14 assists in a game since Eddie Johnson in 1985. Johnson had 34 points and 15 assists in a win over the Celtics.
Teague ranks fourth in the NBA in assists, with 8.2 per game. The Hawks lead the league at 25.9 per game. They have had at least 29 assists in each of the past five games.
The point guard, fresh off the Hawks matching a four-year, $32 million offer sheet from the Bucks for his services, is tied for second on the team in scoring at 16.8 points per game. This season, Teague has set game career-highs in points (twice) and free throws and tied his best in rebounds and assists.
“Jeff keeps growing as a point guard,” Kyle Korver said following Thursday’s win. “The reality is if you are going to be a good point guard in this league, you have to be able to make plays at the end of the game. …
“I read a quote from (Clippers coach) Doc Rivers that said this is a bad time to be in the NBA and be an average point guard because everyone is so tough. I thought that was really good. Jeff just keeps on getting better. Hopefully nights like tonight keep boosting his confidence. We have confidence in him. He keeps getting better, and this is a great situation for him right now. He is really blossoming this year.”
Teague drained a 30-footer with 4.2 seconds left in the first overtime to tie the score at 108-108. It was his only 3-pointer of the night. He then scored seven points in the second overtime, including the Hawks’ final five points. Teague scored 12 points in the two overtime periods, 35 percent of his total, as he made 5 of 8 shots.
Following the game, Teague lamented two shots he missed — at the end of regulation and the first overtime — that could have won the game earlier. He wanted one more chance.
“I really just wanted to get the last shot,” Teague said. “They gave me a couple cracks at it. I told (Hawks guard) Dennis (Schroder), if I get another chance I’m going to make it. I just went for it.”
Teague was a part of the All-Star weekend last season in Houston as he competed in the skills competition. This year’s All-Star Game will be played Feb. 16 in New Orleans.
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