Dec 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks players react to the game against the Chicago Bulls late in the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Bulls 93-86. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Hawks
By Joe McQuiston
Record: 60-22
First Round Opponent: Brooklyn Nets
Season Series: Hawks won 4-0
They call them Spurs-East. That is for good reason.
Throughout all of the 2014-15 NBA season, the Atlanta Hawks have shown why team ball still works, even if they did steal the initial idea from the San Antonio Spurs. After all, Gregg Popovich’s disciple, Mike Budenholzer, is the Hawks’ fearless leader.
Having on player score over 30 points in a single game this season says all you need to know about this team — their unselfish nature is what has gotten them this far. By the way, a team with 50-plus wins have never had a single player not score over 30 points during a game in a season (ESPN). The Hawks won 60 games this season. Let that sink in.
We will soon find out what the Hawks can do when the chips are down and you need a basket, but as it stands now the Hawks are on their way to make a serious playoff run. You can have your superstars, the Hawks can do it on teamwork, ball movement, suffocating defense, and the ability to grind out a victory over anyone.
The key when they get to the playoffs, however, is to go all out every game. You can’t afford a loss in the playoffs, as the other team might get the momentum boost they need in order to shift a series. Playing simply on ball movement and teamwork won’t work unless every player is playing 100 percent for 48 minutes.
Next: The new Kingdom