Atlanta Hawks
It is almost a shame that Atlanta falls first in the alphabetical listing, simply because they should be much later if we were to follow the “save the best for last” mantra. The Hawks are a scorching 35-8, and that record has been compiled on the strength of 14 consecutive victories and 28 wins in 30 contests.
Simply put, the Atlanta Hawks are the toast of the Eastern Conference.
For the uninitiated, the Hawks are playing a beautiful style of offensive basketball predicated on ball movement and excellent outside shooting, and that has vaulted the team into the top-five in efficiency, scoring 106.9 points per 100 possessions. Jeff Teague, Al Horford and Paul Millsap all boast legitimate All-Star resumes despite the shared, balanced attack, and sharpshooter Kyle Korver is putting together what would be the league’s first 50-50-95 shooting season while cementing his legacy as one of the game’s best marksmen of all-time.
Defense is where the Hawks have made their bones lately, as the best team on that end since December 1, and frankly, there are no weaknesses here. Traditionalists may scoff at Atlanta as a title contender because of the lack of a superstar talent, but this is a loaded roster with one of the best coaches in the NBA in Mike Budenholzer, and this isn’t a fluke.
It is tough to argue with the best record in the East, but when it comes from a team with modest expectations, the highest grade imaginable seems apt.
Grade: A+