Several teams have been surprisingly competitive this season.
The Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, and New York Knicks from the East have been a surprise. The San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder has also been impressive on the opposite conference.
However, one team have low-key been playing really well this season that they might even manage to secure a playoff spot this season: the Atlanta Hawks.
After a 14-20 start this season, the Hawks decided to fire former head coach Lloyd Pierce and bring in Nate McMillan as the new interim head coach. They’re currently 24-24 and seventh in the Eastern Conference.
Since then, things have started to shift for the better.
The Atlanta Hawks went on an eight-game winning streak since McMillan took over as the head coach, stealing away from title contending teams like; LA Lakers and Miami Heat in the process.
Although a lot of people criticized the firing of Pierce, McMillan proved to be worth it.
Since he took over, there have been improvements on both ends of the floor.
Stats | Pre-McMillan | Post-McMillan |
Offensive Rating | 114.8 (11th in the league) | 116.3 (5th in the league) |
Defensive Rating | 118.8 (27th in the league) | 111.4 (16th in the league) |
Rebounds per game | 46.7 RPG | 44.2 RPG |
Points per game | 116.9 PPG | 110.7 PPG |
Assists per game | 24.7 APG | 24.2 APG |
Field Goal Percentage | 46.0% | 47.7% |
Three-point FG | 36.9% | 38% |
Of course, the other defining factor is the stellar play of their main men.
Trae Young has been showing off his capability to be a scorer and a playmaker averaging 25.4 PPG, 9.8 APG, 4.0 RPG on 43.2% FG and 35.9% 3FG.
He had a 43-point performance earlier this season in their win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
His mate John Collins is behind him with 18.2 PPG and 7.8 RPG. De’Andre Hunter is finally stepping up with 16.0 PPG and 5.1 RPG, and Clint Capela is averaging a double-double with 14.6 PPG and 14.1 RPG.
Danilo Gallinari is providing veteran leadership and smarts while averaging 12.8 PPG and 3.7 RPG, Kevin Huerter and Cam Reddish are both putting up 11 PPG and Bogdan Bogdanovic is averaging 10.7 PPG.
The Hawks have been impressive this season despite not having the hype. However, a big question remains. Can they continue this level of play and make it to the Playoffs in the end.
What do you think about the Hawks? Do you think they can make it to the Playoffs? Does Trae Young deserve more credit this season? Sound off below in the comment section!