The 2016-2107 NBA season is nearing its end. The playoffs is just around the corner. NBA teams at this time of the season are either making a last push for a playoff spot or jostling for a better playoff seeding. Home court advantage is a must during the playoffs and teams are pushing hard to get that position. The Atlanta Hawks is one of those teams. But internal strife between starting point guard, Dennis Schroder, and their head coach, Mike Budenholzer may derail the Atlanta Hawks hopes of a home court advantage in the playoffs.
In last Monday night's game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Golden State Warriors, Dennis Schroder was benched by head Mike Budenholzer late in the game, and as a result, Dennis Schroder was upset and miffed at Mike Budenholzer about getting sent to the bench, according to a report from ESPN. The Atlanta Hawks went on to lose the game, 119-111.
Dennis Schroder's benching was the result of a missed defensive assignment on Golden State Warriors' All Star point guard Steph Curry during the third quarter of Monday night's game. After an errant pass that resulted in a turnover, Dennis Schroder and center Dwight Howard were angrily exchanging words towards each other.
While Dennis Schroder was arguing with Dwight Howard, Steph Curry was wide open at the three point area and got the ball. Steph Curry made the three point shot and Mike Budenholzer was incensed at Dennis Schroder.
Mike Budenholzer eventually sent Dennis Schroder to the bench with still a little over eight minutes in the third quarter. Dennis Schroder was never put back in the game, despite leading the Atlanta Hawks in scoring with 23 points.
After the game, Dennis Schroder aired out his frustrations. Mike Budenholzer merely said it was a coach's decision.
"I don't understand Coach's decision," Dennis Schroder said. "Maybe I'm too competitive, I don't know. I'm just trying to be competitive, trying to win games. But I don't get that one."
With playoffs just a two months away, the Atlanta Hawks need all the wins they could if they to hope to finish in the top four in the Eastern Conference. The Dennis Schroder incident may prove to be a distraction and may be detrimental to the team.
This is not the first time Dennis Schroeder has had problems with the Atlanta Hawks. After the All Star break, Dennis Schroder reported back late to the Atlanta Hawks and was suspended for one game, via a report from ESPN. The next night, Dennis Schroder was late again for the team bus and came off the bench in their game against Orlando.
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