NBA Power Rankings: What exactly is wrong with the Clippers?

26. Atlanta Hawks

Twice this week, the Hawks’ offense was unleashed in way that hadn’t really happened yet this season. First, the Hawks beat the Kings by 46 points (this game was the runner-up to the Mavs beating the Bucks in weird NBA results) and were lead by Dewayne Dedmon’s career-high 20 points and Dennis Schroeder’s 21 points. Then, Atlanta lead by 15 points early after a 16-0 run against the Celtics and almost snapped the Celtics’ win streak before faltering late and losing by 11.

Those are both fine results for the Hawks. Beating the Kings at home is to be expected, and losing the Celtics was too, even if losing that way is infuriating. They also continue to get good minutes and energy from rookie John Collins, who scored 14 points in the second half of the Celtics games. In the 25ish minutes he plays a game, he’s playing hard every minute and looking like someone Atlanta can put in its future plans.

“His activity, his athleticism is something that just continues to be a bright spot. Him learning to play and function in an NBA game. These are high-level games, players, so he’s learning every second he’s on the court,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said after the Celtics game, per the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Most importantly, the Hawks currently have the second-best odds landing the No. 1 pick and are set up to have tough games this week against the Spurs, Clippers and Knicks. Collins plus TBD lottery pick is something to look forward to.