1 reason every NBA Playoff contender can win the title

1 reason every NBA Playoff contender can win the championship

Dec 15, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) after a play during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs beat the Hornets 97-88. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer talks with guard John Jenkins (12) and center Al Horford (15) and guard Kyle Korver (26) and guard Dennis Schroder (17) and forward Mike Scott (32) in the first quarter of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks – Balance

No one thought that the Hawks would run away with the number one seed in the East, but Mike Budenholzer and his team have zoomed past every expectation. The central story line surrounding Atlanta this season has been their success without the benefit of a singular superstar, and balance is the key to everything that the Hawks do on both ends.

Al Horford, Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague have all performed at a “star” level this season, but the Hawks generate top-10 units in offense (6th) and defense (8th) based on their across-the-board capabilities. Atlanta is currently second in the NBA in assists, with an uncanny ability to share the ball with dizzying ball movement, and defensively, they perform as a unit as if Budenholzer was simply pulling strings on the sideline.

It would be a mistake to say that the Hawks don’t have a lot of talent, because they do. However, the team concept and individuals filling specific roles are central to everything in Atlanta, and they have executed both flawlessly over the body of the season.

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