Mar 6, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Atlanta Hawks bench reacts after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
In the latest edition of our NBA power rankings, we examine how the Hawks and Warriors have reminded us who the top dogs in the NBA are
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They were streaky early in the season, and it then became a trend by December. However, by now, the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors are truly the class of the NBA. Even if it took us some reminding — and convincing.
For the Warriors, it was more about sustainability. We had seen this Warriors team before — in spurts. Never over the course of an entire season. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing now.
As for the Hawks, they were more about proving they belong — with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers of the world. So far, so good. Perhaps no example of that holds more weight than what the Hawks did to the Cavs a few days ago.
Not only did the Hawks beat the Cavs — by nine points — but they also made it look fairly easy doing so. Don’t forget, this is a Cleveland Cavaliers team that, when everyone is healthy and plays, has looked like the best team in the NBA. The Hawks had their way with them.
The Warriors (in the West) and the Hawks (in the East) are certainly the class of the NBA, even if it took us four months to admit it.
Here are our full NBA Power Rankings for the week.
Next: New York Knicks