Lamar Patterson, Edy Tavares continue D-League assignment in Spurs' loss (Updated)

Edy Tavares and Lamar Patterson were back in action Saturday night in a 110-96 loss by the Austin Spurs to the L.A. D-Fenders. Austin built a 54-48 lead at the half but were outscored 37-18  in the third quarter and were forced to play catch-up for the rest of the night.

The night was a bit of a mixed bag for both Hawks rookies. Patterson finished with 15 points and was 5-for-9 from the field but was charged with eight turnovers. Tavares added 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench but his effectiveness was limited with Austin playing from behind for much of the second half.

Saturday's game was likely Tavares and Patterson's last on this assignment. Austin doesn't play again until Thursday which provides a window for Tavares and Patterson to rejoin Atlanta as soon as Sunday. Atlanta hosts Orlando on Monday for their annual MLK Day matinee before heading out on a west coast trip.

Tavares and Patterson are likely to return to the D-League at some point this season. The Hawks have used D-League assignments as an opportunity to mix in on-court action with their daily NBA workouts. Mike Budenholzer talked about the team's utilization of the D-League on Saturday when asked about the recent improvements made by Tim Hardaway Jr.

"It's an opportunity to develop our players that we believe strongly in," Budenholzer said. "We have Edy and Lamar playing in the D-League right now. I think that puts them in the best position to be ready when their number is called."

Update

The Hawks announced on Sunday that they have in fact recalled Patterson and Tavares from the D-League.