The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bembry’s confidence begins to show
Small forward has improved since becoming a starter.
Before last week, DeAndre Bembry had started two games this season — and six in his three years — with the Hawks.
Bembry saw himself as a spark off the bench. Coach Lloyd Pierce liked him in that role and the wing had grown comfortable in it.
But injuries have plagued the Hawks throughout the season, requiring other members of the team to fill roles left empty. Bembry earned an opportunity to do so as a starter against Miami on Jan. 6.
Now, he has started the past six games for the Hawks, including Tuesday against the Thunder.
The Hawks (14-30) beat the Thunder 142-126 with a fourth-quarter push, and Bembry’s presence was felt throughout the game.
He went 7 for 9 from the field (2 of 3 from 3-point range) and totaled 16 points with a couple of decisive dunks in the fourth quar- ter. Defensively, he guarded Thunder all-star guard Russell Westbrook and had seven defensive rebounds with two steals.
“It’s important to play with confidence, play with swag, and to take a challenge like a guy like Russell Westbrook and to step up to compete and be able to perform on the offensive end as well: That’s who Dre is,” Pierce said.
Bembry is expected to keep the starting position until Taurean Prince is fully healthy.
“I’m getting more of a pace right now, but I’m also trying to get my name out there,” Bembry said. “I feel like there are people out there in the NBA that don’t really know me, and I’m just trying to make myself known.”
Throughout the six-game stretch, Bembry has seen different elements of his game work well — steals, rebounds and scoring. He said it varies from game to game, but his focus is on being aggressive on offense and defense.
Pierce praised Bembry’s play and also sees areas of improvement needed. Pierce said they are still working to grow Bembry’s 3-point shot. He is taking the shots, averaging 30.8 percent for the season (and 66 percent against the Thunder).
Bembry had six turnovers against the Bucks on Jan. 13 and seven against Toronto on Jan. 8, both games he started. “With increased minutes, with an increased role, it’s now trying to find a balance of staying out of the crowd,” Pierce said. He had two turn- overs against the Thunder. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■