3 reasons the Atlanta Hawks can win it all

2. Nate McMillan

When Nate McMillan was fired as head coach for the Indiana Pacers last offseason, it raised many eyebrows. When Llyod Pierce was fired, McMillan got his second chance as head coach for the Hawks, and he’s made the most of it. His defensive mindset and stern but approachable coaching style could be what drives Atlanta to a championship.

The team energy has drastically changed since McMillan took over. They seem more engaged on both sides of the floor, putting in the extra effort when needed. When the Hawks’ energy is low, McMillan has no problem getting into his guys and firing them up. However, he does it in a way that motivational and inspiring to his players, not tearing them down and demoralizing them. His doing that is important, especially for a young Hawks team in their first playoff run.

The biggest impact the interim coach has made is on defense. During the regular season, opponents could score on the Hawks at will. Since the playoffs began, the team has recommitted to locking up on that end of the floor. They played physically against the Knicks, erased Ben Simmons from existence in the second round, and put up a solid effort against the Bucks in Game 1.

Defense wins championships is a term mostly used in football, but it can be used in basketball too. Nate McMillan has his team motivated and defending, which are two important components for a championship team. Even though he’s an interim coach, his coaching style could be a reason why the Hawks win an NBA title, and he stays as Atlanta’s head coach.