Fansided

5 reasons the Atlanta Hawks will win the NBA Finals

By John Buhler

Jan 20, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) goes after a ball with Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) during the third quarter of the game at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Hawks won the game 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) goes after a ball with Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) during the third quarter of the game at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Hawks won the game 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks point guard Dennis Schroder (17) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Hawks 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks point guard Dennis Schroder (17) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Hawks 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Least pressure felt by an Eastern contender

The 60 wins from 2014-15 put an abnormally large amount of pressure on Atlanta last postseason. While the Cavaliers were easily the favorite to win the East, Atlanta had to prove to the NBA that their regular success was no fluke. Atlanta got to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history before finally giving out. Cleveland swept Atlanta en route to the NBA Finals.

It’s interesting how much of a difference a year makes, as the Hawks now face almost little to no pressure to orchestrate a deep playoff run. Yes, the Philips Arena faithful would hate a first-round playoff exit, but any advancement past the Eastern Semifinals is an added bonus this year.

Furthermore, there are a handful of teams in the East that a greater sense of urgency to play well in these NBA Playoffs. For Cleveland, it’s NBA Championship or bust. Cleveland is a strong team, but would struggle with the top four teams in the Western Conference should the meet in the NBA Finals (Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers).

The Toronto Raptors HAVE TO get out of the first round in the 2016 Eastern Conference Playoffs or expect major offseason upheaval on Canada’s team. Toronto is good enough to win the East, but that means winning three more series than their corps ever has at Air Canada Centre under general manager Masai Ujiri.

Even teams like the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat have a bit of unrealistic postseason expectations entering the 2016 Eastern Conference Playoffs. Boston is a team of role players that have wildly exceeded expectations under head coach Brad Stevens, but Celtics Nation is all about titles and that maybe too much pressure for Stevens’ young team.

Miami bounced back to make the NBA Playoffs after a disastrous 2014-15 NBA campaign. However, how much is left in the tank for the Heat, as Dwyane Wade’s prime is rapidly coming to a close and Chris Bosh won’t play at all because of health concerns over blood clots.

Overall, Atlanta is in an interesting scenario where the Hawks may be better equipped to make a deep playoff run than people think. On the whole, this is a better team than the one that went to the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago. That being said, the top-half of the East is exponentially better than it was in 2014-15, so that could explain the 10-12 win regular season win discrepancy this season in Atlanta.

Next: 1. Outstanding defensively.

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