Few groups within the Japanese Convention had been anticipated to enter the contender dialog this late within the season. But the Atlanta Hawks are starting to pressure their manner into it.
Atlanta just lately secured its ninth straight victory, persevering with one of many hottest streaks within the league. The run included a win over the Milwaukee Bucks, extending a surge that few analysts noticed coming.
Regardless of that momentum, the Hawks nonetheless sit ninth within the Japanese Convention standings, which is strictly why they continue to be probably the most ignored groups within the playoff race.
9 straight wins, 14-6 report within the final 20 video games, finest streak for the reason that 2015-2016 common season. If it appears to be like like a duck swims like a duck and quacks like a duck then it in all probability is a duck.
Atlanta Hawks had been already adjusting earlier than the Trae Younger commerce
Atlanta’s latest success didn’t come completely out of nowhere. The Hawks had already been taking part in stretches of sturdy basketball with out Trae Younger earlier than the commerce deadline.
Younger missed time with accidents earlier within the season, forcing the Hawks to experiment with a unique offensive construction. Throughout that interval, the ball moved extra freely, and the group leaned right into a extra balanced assault.
Nonetheless, when the entrance workplace in the end traded Younger, the transfer appeared extra like a reset than a push towards competition. Even with the brand new acquisitions bolstering the roster, few believed the Hawks had been instantly about to change into a critical risk within the East.
For many observers, Atlanta appeared like a group stabilizing its future, not constructing quick momentum.
CJ McCollum has emerged because the Atlanta Hawks’ chief
One of many largest causes the Hawks have continued to climb is the management of CJ McCollum, the brand new man in the home.
Because the roster adjustments, McCollum has stepped into the position of offensive chief and delivered a number of essential performances. Towards Milwaukee, he dropped 30 factors, serving to information Atlanta by means of one other win through the streak.
His expertise has helped stabilize the group whereas permitting youthful gamers and position gamers to thrive inside a extra balanced system.
As a substitute of counting on one dominant ball-handler, the Hawks are spreading duty throughout the lineup, which has made their offense more durable to foretell.
The Hawks are nonetheless ninth however changing into a harmful darkish horse
Even with 9 straight wins, the Hawks stay ninth within the East, which suggests they nonetheless have important floor to cowl simply to safe a snug playoff place. However momentum issues within the NBA, particularly late within the season.
Atlanta’s latest run suggests the group has discovered a brand new identification constructed round depth, motion, and collective scoring quite than one high-usage star.
That shift doesn’t robotically flip the Hawks right into a title favourite. Nonetheless, it does make them a harmful opponent that few groups could also be wanting to face.
For a group that appeared directionless simply weeks in the past, Atlanta instantly seems to be one thing very completely different: a darkish horse the remainder of the Japanese Convention may remorse overlooking.
